What is central venous pressure in medical terms?

Central venous pressure (CVP), also known as right atrial pressure, is a measurement of the pressure within the vena cava or right atrium. It is a measure of the blood pressure in the large veins that return blood to the heart.

CVP is measured in centimeters of water (cmH2O). A normal CVP is between 2 and 8 cmH2O. A CVP that is too high can indicate fluid overload, heart failure, or other medical conditions. A CVP that is too low can indicate dehydration, bleeding, or shock.

CVP is measured using a manometer, which is a device that measures pressure. The manometer is connected to a catheter that is inserted into a vein in the neck or arm. The catheter is then filled with fluid until the pressure in the manometer matches the pressure in the vein. The height of the fluid in the manometer is then measured and recorded.

The CVP is an important measurement used for the following:

- Assessing fluid status

- Monitoring cardiac function

- Diagnosing heart failure

- Guiding the management of certain medical conditions