What does jugular venous pressure (JVP) reflect?

Jugular venous pressure (JVP) is a clinical measurement that reflects the pressure within the right atrium of the heart. It provides valuable insight into right atrial pressure, which is influenced by several factors such as blood volume, venous return, and cardiac output. By assessing JVP, healthcare practitioners can infer whether there is right heart failure, fluid overload, or other conditions that may affect the right side of the heart.

Elevated JVP can indicate conditions such as congestive heart failure or fluid overload, as it is associated with increased venous pressure. Monitoring JVP can help in evaluating the efficacy of treatment and managing patient care effectively in heart failure scenarios. It does not directly reflect pressures in the left atrium or peripheral arteries, nor does it correlate with systolic blood pressure, making it a specific and valuable indicator for assessing right atrial status.