Jugular venous distention (JVD) is a medical signal that may point out a variety of underlying situations, together with coronary heart failure, pericardial effusion, and superior vena cava obstruction. JVD is characterised by the seen distension of the jugular veins within the neck, which might be most simply seen when the affected person is sitting upright and at relaxation.
To examine for JVD, the examiner ought to first have the affected person sit upright with their shoulders relaxed and their head barely tilted again. The examiner ought to then palpate the affected person’s neck just under the angle of the jaw, alongside the course of the jugular veins. If JVD is current, the jugular veins will probably be visibly distended and should pulsate with every heartbeat.