Which of the following would correlate with an increased left atrial pressure?

An increased left atrial pressure is often closely related to pulmonary circulation dynamics, particularly the pressures in the pulmonary arteries and their connections. In this context, when there is an increase in pulmonary artery wedge pressure, it indicates elevated pressure in the pulmonary capillary bed and ultimately reflects increased pressure transmitted back to the left atrium. This relationship is particularly significant in various cardiac conditions such as heart failure, where fluid backs up due to impaired cardiac function.

Conversely, other factors such as decreased pulmonary flow or decreased CVP do not contribute directly to increased left atrial pressure, as they typically indicate lower pressures in the circulatory system. Increased systemic vascular resistance could also not be linked directly to an elevation in left atrial pressure, given that it primarily affects the systemic circulation rather than the pressures in the left atrium. Thus, the rise in pulmonary artery wedge pressure stands out as a direct correlate to raised left atrial pressure.