JVP

Jugular venous pressure (JVP) reflects right atrial pressure and is a useful bedside marker for assessing volume status and right heart function. POCUS offers a way to estimate JVP, especially in patients with difficult neck anatomy or subtle findings.

JVP ≤3 cm above the sternal angle is considered normal. Elevated JVP ≥4 suggests increased right atrial pressure and may indicate fluid overload, right heart failure, or pulmonary hypertension.

⚠️ This should always be interpreted in the clinical context.

This video shows the JVP tapering point.

Steps for Image Acquisition:

Identify the Right Internal Jugular Vein (IJV): Place the probe in short axis (transverse) over the right IJV, with the indicator toward the patient’s right.
Find the Point of IJV Collapse: Slide the probe cephalad until the IJV collapses, marking the upper limit of venous distension. In longitudinal view, find where the IJV tapers and collapses to confirm.
Estimate the JVP: Measure the vertical distance from the sternal angle to the point of collapse

💡 Tip: Gently compress the vessel. If it collapses easily, it’s the IJV; if it resists compression and has a pulsatile flow, it's the carotid artery. Remember, the carotid artery lies medial to the IJV.

JVP

Ultrasound Setup