jugular venous pulsation (JVP)

Introduction

Pulse observed in the external jugular vein normally falls during inspiration.

Normal jugular waves:

a: atrial contraction

c: closure of tricuspid valve

v: ventricular filling

x descent following the c wave

y descent following the v wave.

Features which help distinguish jugular venous pulsation from carotid pulsations:

• rarely palpable
• two elevations & two trough per heart beat
• pulsations eliminated by light pressure on the vein(s) just above the sternal end of the clavicle
• level of pulsation changes with position, dropping as the patient becomes more upright
• level of pulsation generally descends with inspiration

More general terms

• pulse (pulsation)

More specific terms

• JVP a-wave
• JVP v-wave
• JVP x-descent
• JVP y-descent
• Lancisi sign

Additional terms

• jugular vein
• jugular venous distension (JVD)
• jugular venous pressure