Atrial versus ventricular contribution in determining systolic venous return. A new approach to an old riddle.

In order to compare the contribution of atrial relaxation and ventricular contraction in determining systolic atrial filling, the jugular venous blood flow velocity curve was recorded transcutaneously with a directional Doppler flowmeter in 81 cases of arrhythmias involving dissociation between atrial and ventricular activity (A-V block, atrial fibrillation, atrial standstill, nodal rhythm, wandering pacemaker). After a brief historical review of the subject the recorded tracings are analysed and evidence provided for the participation of both cardiac events in achieving normal systolic return.