Venous pulse - samideb12

[ArchivalUser]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/co..._Pulse.png

What do the letters stand for ?
Which wave is absent in atrial fibrillation?

[ArchivalUser]

a-right atrial contraction
c-right ventricular contraction caused by bulging of tricuspid valve into right atrium in cystole
x-tricuspid closure
v-maximal atrial filling
y -passive emptying of right atrium in to right ventricle
a-wave absent in atrial fibrillation

[ArchivalUser]

Thank you.Great.
'X" can be used as a measure of RV contractility

[ArchivalUser]

The jugular venous pulsation has a biphasic waveform.

The " a " wave corresponds to right Atrial contraction and ends synchronously with the carotid artery pulse. The peak of the 'a' wave demarcates the end of atrial systole.

The " c " wave corresponds to right ventricular Contraction causing the triCuspid valve to bulge towards the right atrium.

The " x " descent follows the 'a' wave and corresponds to atrial relaXation and rapid atrial filling due to low pressure.

The " x' " (x prime) descent follows the 'c' wave and occurs as a result of the right ventricle pulling the tricuspid valve downward during ventricular systole. The x' (x prime) descent can be used as a measure of right ventricle contractility.

The " v " wave corresponds to Venous filling when the tricuspid valve is closed and venous pressure increases from venous return - this occurs during and following the carotid pulse.

The " y " descent corresponds to the rapid emptYing of the atrium into the ventricle following the opening of the tricuspid valve.

The absence of 'a' waves may be seen in atrial fibrillation.

"Cannon a waves" or increased amplitude 'a' waves, are associated with AV dissociation (third degree heart block), when the atrium is contracting against a closed tricuspid valve