Central Venous Pressure Central venous pressure is defined as the pressure of blood in the central venous system which is essentially just prior to entry into the right atrium. This is the point where the superior vena cava meets the inferior vena cava prior to entry into the right atrium of the heart. It is usually measured by placing a catheter in one of the veins and then threading it to this point. This procedure is usually done under aseptic techniques in a ward, operating theatre, or the intensive care unit of a well equipped and staffed hospital. A qualified medical practitioner is authorised to perform this procedure. In normal health the amount of blood coming to the heart is balanced precisely by the amount of blood leaving the heart. The cardiovascular system will be viewed as a closed system for the purposed of this discussion. When there is blood loss or other alteration in the cardiovascular system's homeostatic mechanism it will first be reflected in changes of the venous pressure at this point. As a rule of thumb the central venous pressure is a good indicator of the amount of blood returning to the heart from the systemic circulation. Further, it (CVP) is a good indicator of the pumping ability of the right atrium and the right ventricle. When the right atrium or ventricle is failing (e.g. following right atrial or ventricular MI) the CVP will be one of the first indicators to rise. The rising CVP indicates that the atria and/or ventricle are failing. Normal CVP values. In homeostasis CVP is from 0 to 8 cm of water (5 to 10 cm of water is also normal) or 2 to 6 mm of mercury Conditions which cause the CVP to rise. Several conditions can cause the CVP to rise. Some situations which cause the CVP to rise are as follows: 1. Increased intra thoracic pressure will cause the CVP to be higher than normal. This will happen when a patient has been intubated and is being ventilated artificially. 2. Whenever there is impaired cardiac function (right sided heart failure, tamponade) the CVP will rise 3. Hypervolemia happens when a patient has been given an excess amount of IV fluids. This will cause the CVP to rise. It is for this reason that physicians often prescribe fruosemide to patients when giving packed red blood cells. The RBCs increase circulating volume and the fruosemide decreases it. Homeostasis is maintained. 4. Obstruction of the superior vena cava will cause the CVP to rise 5. Pulmonary artery stenosis which limit venous outflow and lead to venous congestion cause the CVP to rise 6. Straining, forced exhalation, tension pneumothorax and pleural effusion will cause CVP to rise Conditions which cause the CVP to decrease. Some conditions will cause the CVP to fall. Stated below are some conditions which will cause the CVP to fall. 1. Hypovolemia is a decrease in circulating volume. These conditions include blood loss and excessive diuresis. 2. Reduced intra thoracic pressure as seen during inspiration Keywords: - pressure of blood in the central venous system: áp lực máu tại hệ thống tĩnh mạch trung tâm. - the point where the superior vena cava meets the inferior vena cava prior to entry into the right atrium of the heart: nơi mà tĩnh mạch chủ trên và tĩnh mạch chủ dưới giao nhau và cùng đi vào nhĩ phải. - indicator of the amount of blood returning to the heart: thể hiện lượng máu trở về tim. - Indicator of the pumping ability of the right atrium and the right ventricle: thể hiện khả năng bơm máu của nhĩ và thất phải. To summarize: - CVP là: Áp lực máu tại hệ thống tĩnh mạch trung tâm (nơi tĩnh mạch chủ trên và tĩnh mạch chủ dưới giao nhau và cùng đi vào nhĩ phải). - Giúp xác định: - Lượng máu trở về tim - Khả năng bơm máu của nhĩ và thất phải. - Bình thường khi : 0-8cm nước/ 2-6 mm Hg. - Tăng khi: - Tăng áp lực lồng ngực. - Suy giảm chức năng tim - Tăng lưu lượng tùân hoàn - Tắc tĩnh mạch chủ trên - Hẹp động mạch phổi - Các nguyên nhân gây tăng áp lực tại phổi. - Giảm khi: - Giảm lưu lượng tùân hoàn - Giảm áp lực lồng ngực. . Central Venous Pressure Central venous pressure is defined as the pressure of blood in the central venous system which is essentially just prior. homeostatic mechanism it will first be reflected in changes of the venous pressure at this point. As a rule of thumb the central venous pressure is a good indicator of the amount of blood returning. loss and excessive diuresis. 2. Reduced intra thoracic pressure as seen during inspiration Keywords: - pressure of blood in the central venous system: áp lực máu tại hệ thống tĩnh mạch trung