central venous pressure monitoring

Central venous pressure (CVP) monitoring measures the pressure in the large veins near the heart, reflecting the amount of blood returning to the heart and how well the heart can pump it out. A thin catheter is inserted into a central vein, usually in the neck or chest, and connected to a monitor. CVP helps healthcare providers assess a person's fluid status, heart function, and responsiveness to treatment, especially in critically ill patients. Maintaining appropriate CVP levels ensures the heart is neither overwhelmed with excess blood nor underfilled, guiding effective management of fluids and medications.