Left Atrial Pressure Wave
Wave Information
The “a” wave
Represents an increase in pressure produced by atrial contraction.
The “c” wave
Occurs at the beginning of ventricular systole when the ventricles begin
to contract and is caused by:
- Bulging of the A-V valves during ventricular contraction
- Blood flow from the SVC and IVC into the atria at the onset of
ventricular contraction
The “v” wave
Occurs toward the end of ventricular contraction; it results from slow
flow of blood into the atria from the veins while the A-V valves are still
closed.
Factors Affecting
Intravascular volume
Venous capacitance
Pulmonary vascular resistance
Left heart function
Wave Comparison
Monitor View
