In the RVSP formula, which variable is squared?

In the RVSP formula, which variable is squared?

• A. RAP
• B. PAP
• C. V
• D. LVEDP

Answer: (C)

The test is about how Doppler velocity is converted into a pressure difference using the Bernoulli principle. In estimating right ventricular systolic pressure, the pressure difference between the right ventricle and the right atrium is approximated as four times the square of the tricuspid regurgitation jet velocity (ΔP ≈ 4V^2). That squared term comes from the Bernoulli relationship, where pressure change scales with the square of velocity. To get the full RVSP, you then add an estimate of the right atrial pressure, since RVSP equals the regurgitant-jet gradient plus RAP. The velocity itself is what’s squared, not the RAP, and the other parameters listed (PAP, LVEDP) aren’t the squared term in this formula.

The test is about how Doppler velocity is converted into a pressure difference using the Bernoulli principle. In estimating right ventricular systolic pressure, the pressure difference between the right ventricle and the right atrium is approximated as four times the square of the tricuspid regurgitation jet velocity (ΔP ≈ 4V^2). That squared term comes from the Bernoulli relationship, where pressure change scales with the square of velocity. To get the full RVSP, you then add an estimate of the right atrial pressure, since RVSP equals the regurgitant-jet gradient plus RAP. The velocity itself is what’s squared, not the RAP, and the other parameters listed (PAP, LVEDP) aren’t the squared term in this formula.