Adult Echocardiography Practice Exam

What are the normal pulmonary artery systolic pressures?

1. 15 to 30

2. 2 to 10

3. 10 to 25

4. 3 to 15

The correct answer is: 10 to 25

The normal range for pulmonary artery systolic pressures is generally established between 10 to 25 mmHg. This range reflects normal hemodynamics in a healthy individual. In order to understand why this specific range represents normal values, it's essential to recognize the role of the pulmonary artery in the cardiovascular system. The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs for oxygenation. The pressure within the pulmonary artery indicates how effectively the right ventricle is pumping blood, as well as the resistance within the pulmonary vascular bed. Values below 10 mmHg may indicate hypotension, while pressures exceeding 25 mmHg can suggest conditions such as pulmonary hypertension or right ventricular dysfunction. Maintaining pulmonary artery pressures within the normal range is crucial for optimal respiratory and cardiovascular function. By understanding these relationships, it becomes clear why the specified range of 10 to 25 mmHg is considered normal for pulmonary artery systolic pressures.