Is a positive Hepatojugular Reflux (HJR) a normal finding?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
DS

Dainyal Siddiqui, MD

Internal Medicine

MJ

Manuel Jimenez, MD

Cardiology

FP

Franz Pierre-Louis, MD

Infectious Disease

Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 9, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Research

Hepatojugular Reflux (HJR) Findings

  • A positive Hepatojugular Reflux (HJR) is not a normal finding, as it is associated with volume overload and increased right atrial pressure 1, 2.
  • The HJR test is a useful prognostic marker for postdischarge outcomes in patients with acute heart failure, and its presence is correlated with clinical and objective hemodynamic markers of volume overload 1.
  • A positive HJR test result is highly sensitive and specific for predicting elevated right atrial pressure and right ventricular end-diastolic pressure 2.
  • However, one study found that the HJR is not a reliable sign of incipient heart failure, as it can be present in patients without congestive cardiac failure 3.

Clinical Significance of HJR

  • The HJR is an important prognostic clinical sign in the field of medicine, and its correct interpretation is crucial for patient care 4.
  • The presence of HJR may reflect structural and functional changes of the left ventricle in hypertensive patients, and it can be a predictor of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction 5.
  • The HJR is correlated with pulmonary artery pressure and probably reflects the increase in central blood volume 5.

References

2
Research

Clinical and hemodynamic assessment of the hepatojugular reflux.

The American journal of cardiology, 1990

4
Research

Hepatojugular 'reflex' or 'reflux'? A tale of two vowels.

Postgraduate medical journal, 2023

Related Questions

What is the hepatojugular reflex (HJR)?
Should medication be taken with food?
When should a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) be completed after initiating Lasix (Furosemide)?
Should Arcoxia (etoricoxib) be taken with food?
Can Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) cause paresthesia?
When should epinephrine (adrenaline) be administered during ventricular fibrillation, after the first defibrillation shock or the second?
What is the difference between petroleum and Aquaphor (petrolatum)?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Ask a new Question. Chat with the Guidelines