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Health Dictionary

Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.

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"v" wave

Introduction

Overview

Overview

The ‘v’ wave is seen when the tricuspid valve is closed, just before ventricular contraction – with and just after the carotid pulse. The ‘v’ wave represents the gradual build-up of blood in the atria while the AV valves are closed during ventricular contraction.

See the main page on JVP waveforms for more details.

a = atrial contraction, occurs just before 1st heart sound and carotid pulse x = atrial relaxation c = bulging of tricuspid valve during isovolumetric contraction; x 1 = occurs during ventricular contraction pulling down the tricuspid valve “descent of the base”; v = occurs during venous filling of the atrium with a closed tricuspid valve\; y = opening of tricuspid valve and right atrium emptying

Abnormalities in the JVP Waveforms

Absence of a wave Atrial fibrillation
Flutter of a wave Atrial flutter
Prominent a waves First-degree atrioventricular block
Large a waves Tricuspid stenosis, right atrial myxoma, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary stenosis
Absent x descent Tricuspid regurgitation
Prominent x descent Conditions associated with large a waves
Slow y descent Tricuspid stenosis, right atrial myxoma
Rapid y descent Constrictive pericarditis, severe right heart failure, tricuspid regurgitation, atrial septal defect
Absent y descent Cardiac tamponade
References

References

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]