What is the Difference Between Carotid and Jugular Pulsation

The main difference between carotid and jugular pulsation is that carotid pulsation has a single pulse for each cardiac cycle, whereas jugular pulsation has double pulses for each cardiac cycle.

Carotid and jugular pulsation are two methods of transferring blood between the heart and blood vessels. 

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Carotid Pulsation
– Definition, Facts, Importance
2. What is Jugular Pulsation
– Definition, Facts, Importance
3. Similarities Between Carotid and Jugular Pulsation
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Carotid and Jugular Pulsation
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms 

Carotid Pulsation, Jugular Pulsation

What is Carotid Pulsation

Carotid pulsation is a pressure signal acquired over the carotid artery. It passes near the surface of the body at the neck. Also, it contains a smooth, rapid upstroke and a smooth, more gradual downstroke. Significantly, the carotid arterial pulse is examined with the patient supine and the trunk of the patient’s body slightly elevated. Additionally, the elevated patient’s chin allows easy palpation. However, palpation changes the diameter of the carotid artery. Importantly, the carotid pulse reflects the driving force of the blood flow. The muscular contractions of the left ventricle produce it. Also, it depends on the heart’s size, shape, and rate.

Figure 1: Carotid Pulsation

Furthermore, the carotid pulsation begins with the aortic valve while ejecting blood from the left ventricle. Also, the carotid pulse pressure sharply increases when the blood enters the aorta. However, the height of the pulse depends on the ratio of the stroke volume. Further, arterial pressure increases with the increasing volume of the blood that enters the aorta. 

What is Jugular Pulsation

Jugular pulsation is the indirectly observed pressure over the venous system. The internal jugular vein is a component of the body’s venous system. It runs along the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Also, it provides deoxygenated blood directly to the right atrium. Since the superior vena cava does not hinder venous blood pressure, the internal jugular vein is an easy point to measure blood pressure to provide hemodynamics of the venous blood. Therefore, jugular pulsation gives the right atrial pressure. It provides the status of the intravascular volume.

Figure 2: Jugular Pulsation

Moreover, jugular pulsation can be observed on the right side of the patient’s neck. It passes diagonally on top of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. 

Similarities Between Carotid and Jugular Pulsation

• Carotid and jugular pulsation are two methods that deliver blood between the heart and blood vessels. 

Difference Between Carotid and Jugular Pulsation 

Definition

Carotid pulsation refers to a pressure signal acquired over the carotid artery as it passes near the body’s surface at the neck. At the same time, jugular pulsation refers to the indirectly observed pressure over the venous system via visualization of the internal jugular vein.

Palpable Pulsation

Carotid pulsation is palpable, while jugular pulsation is not palpable.

Obliteration of the Pulsation

Pulsations are not obliterated by pressure above the clavicle in carotid pulsation, while pulsations are obliterated by pressure above the clavicle in jugular pulsation. 

Effect of Respiration

No effects of respiration on the pulse in carotid pulsation, while the levels of pulse wave decrease on inspiration in jugular pulsation.

Number of Pulsation per Systole

One pulsation for systole occurs in carotid pulsation, while two pulsations for systole occur in jugular pulsation. 

Descents

Descents are not prominent in carotid pulsation, while descents are prominent in jugular pulsation. 

Effect of Abdominal Pressure

Carotid pulsation does not affect abdominal pressure, while jugular pulsation is more prominent with abdominal pressure. 

Conclusion

In brief, carotid and jugular pulsation are two methods of delivering blood between the heart and blood vessels. Carotid pulsation is the pressure signal that occurs in the carotid artery. It is palpable. It is not obliterated by pressure above the clavicle. It has no effects on respiration. Also, a single pulse occurs for systole in carotid pulsation. In addition to that, descents are not prominent in carotid pulsation. However, it does not affect abdominal pressure. Meanwhile, jugular pulsation is not palpable. Also, pulsations are obliterated by pressure above the clavicle in jugular pulsation. In addition, two pulsations occur per systole in jugular pulsation. Descents are prominent in jugular pulsation. Importantly, jugular pulsation is more prominent with abdominal pressure. Therefore, the main difference between carotid and jugular pulsation is the number of pulses per systole.  

References:

1. Morris DC. The Carotid Pulse. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 20.
2. Senthelal S, Maingi M. Physiology, Jugular Venous Pulsation. [Updated 2023 Jan 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Carotidian pulse” By User:Rama – Own work (CC-BY SA 3.0 fr) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Elevated JVP” By James Heilman – Own Work (CC-BY SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia