The value that may provide further evidence that Howard has left ventricular failure is increased pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP).
In left ventricular failure, the left ventricle's inability to effectively pump blood can lead to increased pressures in the pulmonary circulation, which is reflected by an elevated PCWP. This measurement is commonly used to assess the hemodynamic status of patients with heart failure.
The other options are less indicative of left ventricular failure:
- Increased albumin would not directly indicate left ventricular failure.
- Decreased pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) is generally not associated with heart failure, as we would expect PAP to be elevated.
- Increased JVD (Jugular venous distension) can indicate fluid overload but is more directly associated with right-sided heart failure or congestive heart failure overall, rather than specifically left ventricular failure.
Thus, the most relevant value for diagnosing left ventricular failure in this context is increased PCWP.