Hemodynamics refers to the interrelationship of blood pressure, blood flow, vascular volumes, heart rate, and ventricular function. It can be measured non-invasively through vital signs and blood pressure measurements, or invasively through central venous pressure (CVP), pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) measurements. CVP is commonly used to assess volume status and right ventricular function in critically ill patients, those undergoing major surgery or in shock. It is contraindicated in patients with coagulopathies, venous anomalies or thrombosis. Invasive hemodynamic monitoring carries risks of infection, bleeding, and organ injury that must be weighed against clinical benefits for individual patients.