From the Guidelines
JVP can be measured from either the internal or external jugular vein.
Measurement Considerations
- The choice between internal and external jugular vein depends on practicality and patient positioning, with the internal jugular vein being the more common choice for evaluation 1.
- When the internal jugular veins are impractical for evaluation, the external jugular veins can be used as an alternative 1.
Clinical Assessment
- The measurement of JVP involves positioning the patient between supine to sitting to visualize the top of the venous pulsation 1.
- The distance in centimeters for jugular pulsations above or below the sternal angle is used to estimate jugular venous pressure, with adjustments made based on patient position 1.
- Clinical assessment of JVP is an important part of evaluating right ventricular filling in decompensated heart failure 1.
From the Research
Measurement of Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP)
- JVP can be measured from both the external and internal jugular veins, as evidenced by various studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The internal jugular vein is often used for measuring JVP, as it is directly connected to the right atrium of the heart via the superior vena cava 2.
- However, the external jugular vein can also provide a reliable estimate of central venous pressure, and is easier to visualize than the internal jugular vein 3, 4.
- Ultrasonography can be used to measure JVP, and has been shown to be a reliable and easy-to-perform method 5, 6.
- The normal range for JVP measured using ultrasonography has been determined to be around 6.35 cm 5.
Comparison of Internal and External Jugular Veins
- Studies have compared the measurement of JVP using the internal and external jugular veins, and have found that the external jugular vein can provide a reliable estimate of central venous pressure 3, 4.
- The internal jugular vein is more directly connected to the heart, but the external jugular vein is easier to visualize and can provide a reliable estimate of JVP 3, 4.
- The choice of vein for measuring JVP may depend on the individual patient and the clinical situation, as well as the availability of ultrasonography equipment 2, 5, 6.