Jugular Vein Distention
When a person’s jugular veins in their neck become visibly swollen, it’s known as Jugular Vein Distention (JVD). This happens when the pressure in the largest upper body vein, called the superior vena cava, rises. These veins carry blood from the head to the heart and lungs. JVD makes the jugular vein on the right side of the neck bulge. We measure blood flow from the head to the heart using Central Venous Pressure (CVP). It looks like a raised tube under the skin, and its height indicates CVP. There are various reasons for JVD, including right-sided heart failure, valve issues, and more. In the case of cardiac tamponade, we watch for three signs known as Beck’s Triad: low blood pressure, swollen neck veins, and muffled heart sounds. Cardiac tamponade is an emergency condition where fluid builds up around the heart and affects its ability to pump blood.