Guyton Diagram

heart-lung.org

- GUYTON DIAGRAM -

The venous return curve graphically represents the characteristics of blood flow from the venous capacitance beds to the right heart. The x-intercept of the venous return curve is the mean circulatory pressure which is determined by the patient's 'volume status' as well as venous compliance. The slope of the venous return curve represents the resistance to venous return. The cardiac function curve describes blood flow as a function of right atrial pressure and its slope is determined by overall cardiac performance. The intersection of the two curves represents the 'operating point' of the cardiovascular system; this point defines the central venous pressure and cardiac output for a given physiological state.

A graphical method of assessing the relationship between right atrial pressure [or central venous pressure] and cardiac output as a function of both venous return and cardiac function.

- ABOUT -

- FORMAT -

The first 4 chapters will cover basic physiology and pathophysiology with an emphasis on the Campbell and Guyton Diagrams.

The remaining 4 chapters will focus on clinically-relevant topics in the intensive care unit; the discussions will be largely drawn from the physiology covered in the first half of the textbook.

- FRIENDS -

Please check out all of the exceptional content at:

pulmccm.org

I have begun a series of posts in conjunction with pulmccm.org which I affectionately call "ICU Physiology in 1000 Words."

Also:

clinicalcorrelations.org

EMCRIT

Critical Care Reviews

Intensive Care Network

thinkingcriticalcare

- CONTACT -

find jon-emile here

tweet in my general direction

Heart-lung.org will provide a comprehensive, on-line tutorial in cardiovascular and respiratory physiology for the interested medical student, resident and fellow.