The<unk>  <unk> , sometimes referred to as<unk>  venous pulse) is the indirectly observed pressure over the venous system. It can be useful in the differentiation of various forms of heart and lung disease.
Classically three upward deflections (waves) and two downward deflections (toughs) have been described. The upward deflections are the "a" (atrial filling), "c" (ventricular contraction and resulting bulging of tricuspid into the right atrium during isovolumic systole), and "v" (atrial venous filling) waves, and the downward deflections are the "x"(when tricuspid opens and ventricular filling occurs) and the "y" descents (filling of ventricle after tricuspid opening).
The interpretation of<unk>  findings can be challenging and is becoming a lost art, as much of the subtle information previously obtained by careful observation of the<unk>  can now be gained easily with echocardiography and/or EKG.  Certain waveform abnormalities include "Cannon a-waves", which result when the atrium contracts against a closed tricuspid valve, due to complete heart block (3rd-degree heart block), or even in ventricular tachycardia.  Another abnormality, "c-v waves", can be a sign of tricuspid regurgitation.
An elevated<unk>  is the classic sign of venous hypertension (e.g. right-sided heart failure).  The paradoxical increase of the<unk>  with inspiration (instead of the expected decrease) is referred to as the Kussmaul sign and indicates impaired filling of the right ventricle.  The differential diagnosis of Kussmaul's sign includes constrictive pericarditis, restrictive cardiomyopathy, pericardial effusion, and severe right-sided heart failure.
Jugular venous pressure
Pulse pressure
Pulse wave velocity
Central venous pressure
Mean arterial pressure
Capillary refill
Volumetric flow rate
Peak flow meter