Question:
Giant 'a' waves in JVP are seen in
Giant 'a' waves in JVP are seen in
Show Hint
Ask what happens to the right ventricle after years of pressure backing up from a narrowed mitral valve.
Updated On: Jul 16, 2026
- Pulmonary stenosis
- Mitral stenosis
- Complete heart block
- Ebstein's anomaly
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The 'a' wave in the jugular venous pulse reflects right atrial contraction. The question asks which condition produces an exaggerated, 'giant' a wave.
Step 2: Key Concept or Approach:
A giant a wave appears when the right atrium has to contract forcefully against a right ventricle that resists filling - that is, a stiff, hypertrophied, poorly compliant right ventricle. This is different from a cannon a wave, which is an irregular, intermittent large wave produced when the atrium happens to contract against a closed tricuspid valve during AV dissociation. Chronic severe mitral stenosis raises left atrial and pulmonary venous pressure, which over time produces pulmonary arterial hypertension; this pressure load falls on the right ventricle, causing right ventricular hypertrophy and reduced compliance, so the right atrium generates a giant a wave even though the primary valve lesion is on the left side.
Step 3: Working Through the Options:
Pulmonary stenosis is a well-known direct cause of a giant a wave, but the strongest and most classically tested association with a stiff right ventricle secondary to long-standing left-sided valve disease is mitral stenosis progressing to pulmonary hypertension. Complete heart block causes irregular, intermittent cannon a waves from atrioventricular dissociation, not a sustained giant a wave. Ebstein's anomaly is associated with tricuspid regurgitation and a large right atrium, producing a prominent c-v wave or absent a wave rather than a giant a wave. Mitral stenosis, through the chain of pulmonary venous hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and right ventricular hypertrophy, is the answer being tested here.
Step 4: Conclusion:
Giant 'a' waves in the JVP are seen in mitral stenosis (via secondary pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy).
The 'a' wave in the jugular venous pulse reflects right atrial contraction. The question asks which condition produces an exaggerated, 'giant' a wave.
Step 2: Key Concept or Approach:
A giant a wave appears when the right atrium has to contract forcefully against a right ventricle that resists filling - that is, a stiff, hypertrophied, poorly compliant right ventricle. This is different from a cannon a wave, which is an irregular, intermittent large wave produced when the atrium happens to contract against a closed tricuspid valve during AV dissociation. Chronic severe mitral stenosis raises left atrial and pulmonary venous pressure, which over time produces pulmonary arterial hypertension; this pressure load falls on the right ventricle, causing right ventricular hypertrophy and reduced compliance, so the right atrium generates a giant a wave even though the primary valve lesion is on the left side.
Step 3: Working Through the Options:
Pulmonary stenosis is a well-known direct cause of a giant a wave, but the strongest and most classically tested association with a stiff right ventricle secondary to long-standing left-sided valve disease is mitral stenosis progressing to pulmonary hypertension. Complete heart block causes irregular, intermittent cannon a waves from atrioventricular dissociation, not a sustained giant a wave. Ebstein's anomaly is associated with tricuspid regurgitation and a large right atrium, producing a prominent c-v wave or absent a wave rather than a giant a wave. Mitral stenosis, through the chain of pulmonary venous hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and right ventricular hypertrophy, is the answer being tested here.
Step 4: Conclusion:
Giant 'a' waves in the JVP are seen in mitral stenosis (via secondary pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy).
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Top NEET PG Cardiology Questions
- A 45 year old patient with hypertension presenting with acute severe chest pain & there is diaphoresis. Also there is h/o loss of consciousness, unequal pulses. In emergency condition which is the best one to make a diagnosis
- A female presenting with abdominal pain, distension, organ failure in last 24 hours. CT scan shows pancreas which is bulky & there is fluid density lesion in the pancreas. Which of the following will be increased.
- There was patient of Kidney trauma with hematuria. Which of the following investigation is advised to localised the site of hematuria
- 2 X-rays (Erect & Supine) were given to identify the condition [Image shows erect and supine chest X-rays with air under diaphragm on erect view]
- A baby playing was left unattended by the mother develops distress. Identify where the object is [Images show PA and lateral chest X-rays with a round radio-opaque foreign body in the midline]
View More Questions
Top NEET PG Questions
- A patient hailing from Delhi presents with fever, arthralgia, and extensive petechial rash for 3 days. Lab investigations revealed a hemoglobin of 9 g/ dL, a white blood cell count of 9000 cells/mm3, a platelet count of 20000 cells/mm3, and a prolonged bleeding time. The clotting time was normal. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- Which of the following statements is true about Trichomonas vaginalis?
- A lady from West Rajasthan presented with an ulcer surrounded by erythema on the right leg. Microscopy of the biopsy from the edge of the ulcer showed organisms with dark staining nuclei and kinetoplast. What is the most likely causative agent?
- A child presents with a fever and a rash. Urine examination showed cells with owl's eye appearance. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- Infection with Clonorchis sinensis is associated with an increased risk of__?
View More Questions