The pressure in the right atrium and large veins of the chest. An estimate of this measurement may be made by examining the large (jugular) vein in a patient's neck. The pressure may also be measured directly by inserting a special cannula into the jugular vein. This measurement can give an estimate of the adequacy of the return of venous blood to the heart and how the right side of the heart is functioning.

Pressure in right atrium and central veins.

Central venous pressure is the pressure in the right atrium of the heart (normally 0 mm Hg); it is regulated by the ability of the heart to pump blood out of the right atrium and the tendency for blood to flow from the peripheral vessels back into the heart.

refers to the pressure that reflects right ventricular end-diastolic pressure or preload. It is an extremely poor indicator of left ventricular function but is useful in monitoring initial volume for resuscitation in cases of hypovolemia and right ventricular function after right ventricular infarction.

Pressure mesured in the pulmonary vein

Central venous pressure (CVP) describes the pressure of blood in the thoracic vena cava, near the right atrium of the heart. CVP reflects the amount of blood returning to the heart and the ability of the heart to pump the blood into the arterial system. It is a good approximation of right atrial pressure, which is a major determinant of right ventricular end diastolic volume (right ventricular preload).