central venous pressure (CVP)

Introduction

Normal mean CVP: 0-6 mm Hg (same as right atrial pressure). It may be measured with a central venous catheter or assessed clinically as 5 cm* + jugular venous pressure (cm).

* The right atrium is 5 cm below the sternal angle.

Central venous pressure is increased with increased right ventricular diastolic pressure &/or increased intravascular volume.

More general terms

• venous pressure

Additional terms

• central venous catheter
• jugular venous pressure
• sternal angle (of Louis)