RVR

Abbreviation with 2 meanings

RVR
Stands forRapid ventricular response
Meanings2
CategoriesMedical, Transportation & Travel

RVR has two meanings. It stands for Rapid ventricular response (cardiology) or Runway visual range (aviation).

Meanings of RVR at a glance

#RVR stands forContext
1Rapid ventricular responseMedical › Cardiology
2Runway visual rangeTransportation & Travel › Aviation

1. Rapid ventricular response

Medical · Cardiology Abbreviations

Fast ventricular rate, usually over 100 to 110 beats per minute, occurring with atrial fibrillation or flutter because too many atrial impulses pass through the AV node. "AF with RVR" is one of the most frequent arrhythmia phrases in emergency and hospital notes.

Example: ED: AFib with RVR to the 150s, BP 118/70; IV diltiazem bolus then infusion.

Rate control uses beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem, with digoxin or amiodarone in selected patients; unstable patients need urgent cardioversion. Persistent RVR over weeks can cause tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. A slow ventricular response, the opposite situation, suggests AV node disease or drug effect.

2. Runway visual range

Transportation & Travel · Aviation Abbreviations

Instrument-measured distance a pilot on the runway centerline can see runway lights or markings, reported in feet in the US and meters elsewhere. RVR is the controlling visibility value for low-visibility takeoffs and Category II and III landings.

Example: RVR runway 4R touchdown 1,200, midpoint 1,400, rollout 1,000, below our CAT I minimums.

Measured by transmissometers or forward-scatter sensors at the touchdown, midpoint and rollout zones. In the US a Category I ILS commonly requires 2,400 feet RVR, or 1,800 feet with touchdown-zone and centerline lighting. Airline operating rules often restrict takeoffs when RVR drops below a few hundred feet.

More cardiology abbreviations

  • RHD – Rheumatic heart disease
  • RRR – Regular rate and rhythm
  • RV – Right ventricle
  • RVH – Right ventricular hypertrophy
  • RVSP – Right ventricular systolic pressure
  • RWMA – Regional wall motion abnormality
  • S-ICD – Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
  • S1 – First heart sound

See all 229 cardiology abbreviations →

More aviation abbreviations

  • RA – Resolution advisory
  • RNAV – Area navigation
  • RNP – Required navigation performance
  • RPM – Revenue passenger miles
  • RVSM – Reduced vertical separation minimum
  • SEL – Single-engine land
  • SIC – Second in command
  • SID – Standard instrument departure

See all 142 aviation abbreviations →

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.