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Right atrial pressure

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Right atrial pressure (RAP) is the blood pressure in the right atrium of the heart. RAP reflects the amount of blood returning to the heart and the ability of the heart to pump the blood into the arterial system. RAP is often nearly identical to central venous pressure (CVP), although the two terms are not identical, as a pressure differential can sometimes exist between the venae cavae and the right atrium. CVP and RAP can differ when venous tone (i.e the degree of venous constriction) is altered. This can be graphically depicted as changes in the slope of the venous return plotted against right atrial pressure (where central venous pressure increases, but right atrial pressure stays the same; VR = CVP − RAP).

Trend of central venous pressure as a consequence of variations in cardiac output. The three functions indicate the trend in physiological conditions (in the centre), in those of decreased preload (e.g. in hemorrhage, bottom curve) and in those of increased preload (e.g. following transfusion, top curve).

Factors affecting RAP

Factors that increase RAP include:

Factors that decrease RAP include:

See also

References

  1. "Central Venous Catheter Physiology". Retrieved 2009-02-27.

External links

Physiology of the cardiovascular system
Heart
Cardiac output
Ultrasound
Heart rate
Conduction
Chamber pressure
Other
Vascular system/
hemodynamics
Blood flow
Blood pressure
Regulation of BP
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