Getting From A to C: From Pressure Waves to Graphic Display to Interpretation

•Understanding the mechanics of the visual representation of cardiac pressures is fundamental to assessment of cardiovascular hemodynamics.•Without that understanding, one can neither adequately assess waveforms, nor problem-solve potential pitfalls of interpretation.•Acquiring an appropriate pressure waveform is critical to accurate interpretation for patient care and justifies the risk to the patient of the invasive procedure.