What is the normal pressure in the Left Ventricle (LV)?

What is the normal pressure in the Left Ventricle (LV)?

• A. 70-100 mmHg
• B. 90-140 mmHg
• C. 100-160 mmHg
• D. 140-180 mmHg

Answer: (B)

Pressure in the left ventricle is highest during contraction, so the question is asking about normal LV systolic pressure. In healthy hearts, LV systolic pressure mirrors systemic arterial systolic pressure, averaging around 120 mmHg with some natural variation. A typical normal range is about 90–140 mmHg, which is why that option is best. The other ranges either understate the peak LV pressure or exceed typical normal values for systole. (Note that LV diastolic pressure is much lower, around 4–12 mmHg, but that isn’t the value being asked here.)

Pressure in the left ventricle is highest during contraction, so the question is asking about normal LV systolic pressure. In healthy hearts, LV systolic pressure mirrors systemic arterial systolic pressure, averaging around 120 mmHg with some natural variation. A typical normal range is about 90–140 mmHg, which is why that option is best.

The other ranges either understate the peak LV pressure or exceed typical normal values for systole. (Note that LV diastolic pressure is much lower, around 4–12 mmHg, but that isn’t the value being asked here.)