Jugular venous pressure and pulse

Description

Jugular venous pressure (JVP) reflects right atrial pressure and central venous pressure. It is assessed using the internal jugular vein with the patient at 30–45° inclination. Normal JVP is ≤3 cm above the sternal angle. The jugular venous pulse (JVP waveform) has characteristic waves: a (atrial contraction), c (tricuspid bulging), v (atrial filling), and descents x and y. Elevated JVP indicates right heart failure, pericardial disease, or fluid overload, while abnormal waveforms suggest arrhythmias, tricuspid regurgitation, or constrictive pericarditis.