Right heart catheterization Right heart catheterization is commonly used to measure Right atrial pressure Right ventricular pressure Pulmonary artery pressure Pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP—see figure Diagram of the cardiac cycle) The most frequent indications for right heart catheterization are to assess hemodynamics, diagnose pulmonary hypertension, guide therapy, and assess need for cardiac transplantation or mechanical cardiac support (eg, a ventricular assist device).