Cardiac Medicine Certification (CMC) Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Cannon A waves are a distinct waveform observed in the jugular venous pulse, primarily associated with specific types of arrhythmias. The phenomenon occurs when there is atrial contraction against a closed tricuspid valve, which can happen in certain conditions such as complete heart block or ventricular tachycardia.

During atrial contraction, if the tricuspid valve is closed due to the rapid contraction of the ventricles (or if there is a dissociation between atrial and ventricular contractions), the pressure in the right atrium can rise significantly, resulting in these marked A waves. The presence of these waves can signify an ineffective or disorganized heart contraction, reflecting the underlying arrhythmia's impact on cardiac dynamics.

This understanding is crucial for differentiating Cannon A waves from other waveforms in the jugular venous pulse, as their specific etiology relates directly to the interplay between atrial and ventricular activity during arrhythmias. Recognizing and interpreting Cannon A waves can provide valuable insights into a patient's cardiac function and their arrhythmia's hemodynamic effects.