The central venous pressure can be estimated from findings on physical examination.
Patient position: recumbent, with trunk at a 45 degree angle
central venous pressure in cm H2O =
= (vertical height of jugular venous distention above the sternal angle in cm) + 5 cm
central venous pressure in mm Hg =
= (central venous pressure in cm H2O) / 1.36
where:
• For a 45 degree angle, then the vertical height in cm = (distended length along the jugular vein ) / SQRT(2).
• 5 cm H2O is 3.65 mm Hg.
Normally the right atrial pressure is 2.5 to 6.0 mm Hg with a mean of 3.5. At pressures less than 3.7 mm Hg the jugular vein is not distended; a pressure of 6 mm Hg would show a jugular distention of 3.2 cm.
An elevated central venous pressure may be seen in right heart failure, constrictive pericarditis and obstruction of the superior vena cava.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
