JVP Mnemonics

Jugular venous pulse (JVP) waveforms

1. a – Atrial contraction (RA)
2. c – Closure and Curving of tricuspid valve into RA
3. x – atrial relaXation
4. v – Venous filling of right atrium (RA)
5. y – atrial emptYing

Distinguishing JVP from Internal carotid pulsation

Mnemonic: POLICE

1. Palpation: Non-palpable
2. Occlussion: Readily occludable
3. Location: Between 2 heads of sternocleidomastoid, lateral to carotid
4. Inspiration: Drops with inspiration
5. Contour: Biphasic waveform
6. Erect position: Drops when sitting erect

Abnormal JVP waveforms

Prominent “a” wave: Pressure of atria peaked

1. Tricuspid stenosis
2. Pulmonary hypertension

Cannon “a” wave: Contraction of atria against closed tricuspid valve

1. Complete heart block
2. Junctional rhythm

“a” wave fallen (absent): Atrial fibrillation

Large “v” wave: Vomit (backflow) of blood in right atrium

1. Tricuspid regurgitation

PaY TaX:

1. Sharp “y” descent: Constrictive pericarditis (Frierdrich’s sign)
2. Sharp “x” descent: Tamponade and Constrictive pericarditis

Slow “y” descent”: Slow emptYing of RA

1. Tricuspid stenosis

Dr. Sulabh Kumar Shrestha, MS Orthopedics

He is the section editor of Orthopedics in Epomedicine. He searches for and share simpler ways to make complicated medical topics simple. He also loves writing poetry, listening and playing music.