Atrial events

The events that occur in the atria correspond to events on the pressure recording. The first, the "a" wave, represents the pre-systolic pressure wave resulting from atrial contraction. This only occurs in sinus rhythm. The "c" wave represents an increase in pressure caused by the closed atrio-ventricular valves bulging back into the atria during isovolumetric contraction. The final event, the "v" wave, represents the atrial pressure rising to a peak during late ventricular systole. This is caused by the filling of the atrium while the atrioventricular valves are closed.

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