When a person is angry or severely irritated, you may notice that the veins in their neck are protruding. These veins are called jugular veins, and they measure circulatory pressure. Distended neck veins occur when there are issues concerning the heart and lungs. The more severe the condition, the higher the veins extend from the neck. In this article, we will look at the symptoms and causes of this condition.
We see these veins as they lay close to the surface of the skin. Jugular veins transport deoxygenated blood to the heart from the head. Distended neck veins are evident with the positioning of the body as well as a heightened pressure of the venous system. If the veins protrude when the head is at a 45-degree angle, you may have a form of cardiovascular disease.
Let’s look at other conditions that can cause distended neck veins.
Distended Neck Veins Causes
Any pressure in the right ventricle and right atrium is the primary cause of distended neck veins. So, it is important to know the attributing factors, which include:
- An infection of the lining of the heart, known as the pericardium
- An interference of the deoxygenated blood as it enters the heart
- A collection of fluid or blood within the heart walls
- Malfunction of the right side of the heart
These are some other causes of distended neck veins.
1. Goiter
This lump of the throat is an enlarged thyroid gland that protrudes as it compresses onto the jugular veins.
2. Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
The veins become distended when the superior vena cava has a blockage due to thyroid or breast cancer, or from a lung tumor.
3. Cardiac Tamponade
This condition causes compression on the heart chambers, forcing a decrease in their functioning. It can happen with the gathering of pericardial fluid.
4. Tricuspid Regurgitation
We have a valve between the right atrium and the right ventricle that prevents blood from back flowing into the right atrium. A malfunction of the valve causes tricuspid regurgitation and distended neck veins.
5. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Distended neck veins are one of many symptoms of COPD, along with shortness of breath, coughing, thick sputum, cyanosis, and wheezing.
6. Congestive Cardiac Failure
Known as a heart attack, blood and fluid levels in the veins increase when the heart malfunctions.
Distended Neck Veins Symptoms
As noted with the distended neck veins definition, it is a symptom in of itself and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- Increased heart rate
- Chest pressure
- Chest pain
- Low blood circulation
- A bluish hue to lips and nailbeds
- Excessive sweating
- Cold, clammy hands and feet
- Swollen neck
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Extreme fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Consciousness variations
- Lack of appetite
- Weight gain or loss
- Edema of the legs and feet
- Urination urges at night
- Low urine output
- Anxiety
Distended Neck Veins Complications
Distended neck veins can lead to an array of mild to major complications, especially if heart failure is the cause. Heart failure may require surgery for an artificial pump or heart transplant, if not a death sentence. Any issues with blood pressure can result in cognitive problems, extreme fatigue, liver problems, and kidney issues.
Diagnosis and treatment of distended neck veins condition are crucial at any stage to possibly prevent complications such as:
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Arrhythmia
- Weakness advancement
- Increased fatigue
Distended Neck Veins Diagnosis
For a proper diagnosis, your doctor may have you position your head at a 45-degree angle to check for distention of more than three centimeters above the sternal angle. Physical examination of the neck entails checking the veins from one side to the another and not face-on.
While the untrained eye may not be able to obtain the pulse of the jugular vein, a cardiologist uses specific tools for this measurement. These tools will help determine the pressure of the venous system and the state of the heart’s health.
Distended Neck Veins Treatment
Doctors will recommend treatment depending on the underlying cause of the distended neck veins. Heart failure is immediately attended to with beta-blockers, and possibly diuretics and an ACE inhibitor. A change in diet and lifestyle activities may also be required to prevent further complications, including another heart episode.
Distended neck veins can be a serious precursor to a life-threatening condition or may be a visible indicator of someone becoming irate. The bulging veins in the neck show an increase of pressure within the heart. Factors attributed to the high pressure can be the result of an underlying health condition or infection.
Distended neck veins often accompany other symptoms such as chest pressure, excessive sweating, and an increased heart rate. Treatment is dependent on the condition, or ailment, causing the distention.
Read More:
Kinks in Your Neck: The Causes and How to Get Rid of Them Naturally
Lump on the Back, Neck, or Arms? How to Get Rid of Lipomas Naturally
Military Neck (Cervical Kyphosis): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Neck Strain: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Exercises
Lump on Back of Neck: 5 Causes and Natural Treatments
Sources:
Salina, “What Causes Jugular Vein Distention? Symptoms & How To Check It?” Simple Remedies, March 11, 2013; http://www.simple-remedies.com/health-questions/jugular-vein-distention-symptoms.html, last accessed July 7, 2017.
“What Causes Jugular Vein Distention?” Health Grades, October 10, 2016; https://www.healthgrades.com/symptoms/jugular-vein-distention–causes, last accessed July 7, 2017.