Wiggers diagram.

Red = aortic pressure
Blue = left ventricular pressure
Yellow = left atrial pressure.

A Wiggers diagram is a standard diagram used in cardiac physiology.

The X axis is used to plot time, while the Y axis contains all of the following on a single grid:

• Blood pressure
  • Aortic pressure
  • Ventricular pressure
  • Atrial pressure
• Ventricular volume
• Electrocardiogram
• Arterial flow (optional)
• Heart sounds (optional)

By illustrating the coordinated variation of these values, it becomes easier to illustrate the relationship between these values in the cardiac cycle.

[edit] Etymology

It is named after Dr. Carl J. Wiggers, M.D.. The diagram is frequently incorrectly called a "Wigger's diagram". Although "Wiggers' diagram" would be grammatically correct, it is more frequently rendered "Wiggers diagram", with no apostrophe.

[edit] Events

Note that during isovolumetric/isovolumic contraction and relaxation, all the heart valves are closed. At no time are all the heart valves open.

• S3 and S4 heart sounds are associated with pathologies and are not routinely heard.

[edit] Additional images

Ventricular systole

Cardiac diastole

ECG

The EKG complex. P=P wave, PR=PR interval, QRS=QRS complex, QT=QT interval, ST=ST segment, T=T wave

[edit] See also

• Pressure volume diagram

[edit] External links

• Flash animation at utah.edu
• Diagram at mmi.mcgill.ca
• Slides at ouhscphysio.org
• Diagram at arizona.edu
• Diagram at cals.ncsu.edu
• Biography of Carl Wiggers
• isometric+period+of+cardiac+cycle at eMedicine Dictionary

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