Jugular venous pulse (JVP) waveforms
- a – Atrial contraction (RA)
- c – Closure and Curving of tricuspid valve into RA
- x – atrial relaXation
- v – Venous filling of right atrium (RA)
- y – atrial emptYing
![jvp pericarditis tamponade](https://epomedicine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/jvp-pericarditis-tamponade.png)
Distinguishing JVP from Internal carotid pulsation
Mnemonic: POLICE
- Palpation: Non-palpable
- Occlussion: Readily occludable
- Location: Between 2 heads of sternocleidomastoid, lateral to carotid
- Inspiration: Drops with inspiration
- Contour: Biphasic waveform
- Erect position: Drops when sitting erect
Abnormal JVP waveforms
Prominent “a” wave: Pressure of atria peaked
- Tricuspid stenosis
- Pulmonary hypertension
Cannon “a” wave: Contraction of atria against closed tricuspid valve
- Complete heart block
- Junctional rhythm
“a” wave fallen (absent): Atrial fibrillation
Large “v” wave: Vomit (backflow) of blood in right atrium
- Tricuspid regurgitation
PaY TaX:
- Sharp “y” descent: Constrictive pericarditis (Frierdrich’s sign)
- Sharp “x” descent: Tamponade and Constrictive pericarditis
Slow “y” descent”: Slow emptYing of RA
- Tricuspid stenosis
![dr. sulabh kumar shrestha](https://epomedicine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/profile.jpg)
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.