Kalpana Kalpana (Editor)

Wiggers diagram

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Wiggers diagram

A Wiggers diagram is a standard diagram used in cardiac physiology named after Dr. Carl J. Wiggers.

The X axis is used to plot time, while the Y axis contains all of the following on a single grid:

  • Blood pressure
  • Aortic pressure
  • Ventricular pressure
  • Atrial pressure
  • Ventricular volume
  • Electrocardiogram
  • Arterial flow (optional)
  • Heart sounds (optional)

    • By illustrating the coordinated variation of these values, it becomes easier to illustrate the relationship between these values in the cardiac cycle.

    Events

    Note that during isovolumetric/isovolumic contraction and relaxation, all the heart valves are closed. At no time are all the heart valves open.

  • S3 and S4 heart sounds are associated with pathologies and are not routinely heard.

    • References

    Wiggers diagram Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA