Giant a Wave

The a wave of the jugular venous waveform occurs as a result of right atrial contraction. When there is resistance to right ventricular filling, right atrial contraction generates increased pressure, resulting in giant a waves. These waves occur with every beat, unlike cannon a waves, which usually occur intermittently. Causes of giant a waves include tricuspid stenosis and increased right ventricular end-diastolic pressure from any cause (e.g., pulmonary hypertension).

Card Tutorial

Patient 5

This patient has giant a wave.