Wiggers Diagram
Understand the cardiac cycle with the Wiggers diagram. Click here to learn more about the resource and obtain a free copy.
Fact Checked by Nate Lacson.
What is a Wiggers Diagram?
A is a visual representation of the simultaneous events during a cardiac cycle displayed on a single diagram. It’s an educational tool to help medical students understand what happens during a cardiac process in each section of the heart.
In a Wiggers Diagram, one can expect to see:
- Waves that show the changes in pressure and volume in the artery, atrium, and ventricle
- An ECG that reflects the changes in pressure and volume
- A phonocardiogram shows the different heart sounds that reflect the shutting of a valve
The diagram itself is standardized, which means it looks the same no matter where you obtain a copy. It’s useful when you learn visually. However, when you process and retain information better when you take notes, to help you with your studies, we created a template with more than just an image of the Wiggers Diagram.
On our template, you’ll see:
- The Wiggers Diagram
- Sections where you can take notes on the observed ECG, cardiac cycle phases, aortic pressure waves, ventricular pressure waves, atrial pressure waves, phonocardiogram, and ventricular volume
- Dedicated space at the bottom for any additional notes you may have
If you think you’ll benefit from having a copy of our Wiggers Diagram template, proceed to the next section for instructions on accessing and downloading the template.
Printable Wiggers Diagram
Download this Wiggers Diagram to better understand the cardiac cycle.
How does it work?
Access and Download the Template
To access and download the printable Wiggers diagram template, you can do either of the following:
- Clicking the “Download Template” or “Use Template” button above
- Searching “Wiggers Diagram” in Carepatron’s template library on our website or app
Use the Resource
Once you have a copy of the template, you can use the resource however you would like. You may refer to the “When would you use this template?” section below for ideas on how and when to use this template.
Take Down Notes (Optional)
Though optional, it’ll be helpful to take down notes on sections provided to ensure that you retain the information taught to you about the Wiggers diagram.
Wiggers Diagrams example (sample)
Here’s our Wiggers Diagram sample in PDF form. Medical students and practitioners who need a refresher can use it for educational purposes or as a document for notes, findings, or observations.
Grab a copy of our sample for offline use by viewing the example below or clicking the “Download Example PDF” button above.
Download this Wiggers Diagram Example:
When would you use this Template?
To learn and review
You can use our template to learn more about the cardiac cycle and review it whenever needed. That way, you’ll know the content like the back of your hand and better answer tests or apply the knowledge to actual situations.
To explain
In certain situations, it’ll be helpful to explain the cardiac cycle to patients, significantly if it’ll calm them down before agreeing to a particular treatment plan. You can use the Wiggers Diagram as a visual aid to help you explain their situation in the simplest way possible for their sake. It’s also possible to use it to explain the cardiac cycle once more to your juniors when they need a quick refresher before a diagnosis or treatment.
To document and take down notes
It’s scientifically proven that documenting and taking notes helps with information retention. With our template, you don’t have to look for a separate piece of paper or notebook. You simply need a pen or digital device to input notes on certain parts of the Wiggers Diagram to understand or remember it better.
Benefits
Simple to Use
Our free Wiggers Diagram template is simple to use and easy to understand since there aren’t specific instructions you must follow. Its bare-bones design allows you to make the most out of it however you want.
Versatile
Any practitioner who needs to know or is interested in the cardiac cycle can use the Wiggers Diagram template. Furthermore, our template is versatile enough to be used in several ways: as a guide, reference, document, etc.
Provides Basic Information for Application
All practitioners who graduated from medical school can tell you the importance of learning the Wiggers Diagram to understand the cardiovascular system better. By having a template with essential information and notes you made and understood, you’ll better apply the knowledge you obtained.
Entirely Digital and Accessible
Since our free Wiggers Diagram comes as a digital file you can open on any device; you’ll find it a breeze to access it whenever you need it quickly.
Why use Carepatron as your Wiggers Diagrams app?
Whether you are a general practitioner or a specialized occupational therapist, Carepatron is the go-to platform for all clinical and educational needs. Its user-friendly desktop software and mobile app offer features beyond simply downloading and storing resources like the Wiggers Diagram.
For instance, with Carepatron’s appointment scheduling features, patients can request appointments without calling, allowing you to approve them at your convenience. This syncs with your Google/iCal and built-in calendars, reducing no-shows through automated reminders sent via email or SMS.
Managing clinical documents is a breeze with Carepatron. The platform offers over 1,000 editable and printable templates, an easy uploader to transfer files, a built-in notes creator, and, most importantly, HIPAA-compliant storage to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of all documents.
So why wait? If you're looking for a comprehensive, one-stop solution to manage your healthcare practice efficiently, sign up on Carepatron. From scheduling to document management and online payments, discover how Carepatron can make your work life easier and more efficient—all for free!
References
Mitchell, J. R., & Wang, J. J. (2014). Expanding application of the Wiggers diagram to teach cardiovascular physiology. Advances in physiology education, 38(2), 170–175. https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00123.2013
Wright, B. E., Watson, G. L., & Selfridge, N. J. (2020). The Wright table of the cardiac cycle: a stand-alone supplement to the Wiggers diagram. Advances in physiology education, 44(4), 554–563. https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00141.2019
Commonly asked questions
Though the Wiggers Diagram is explicitly designed for medical students, practitioners who need a refresher or a guide to the cardiovascular system or the cardiac cycle may also use this template.
You can store it physically with other resources connected to the cardiovascular system or right on Carepatron.
It shows a phonocardiogram, an ECG, and waves that show changes in pressure and volume in the ventricle, atrium, and artery—all visual representations of what happens during a cardiac cycle.
