What does JVD mean in medical terms?

What does JVD mean in medical terms?

If you ever see someone with a bulging neck vein, you’re looking at the external jugular vein. When the jugular vein is visible, it’s known as jugular vein distention (JVD).

Are there two jugular veins?

There is a pair of internal jugular veins (right and left) and a pair of external jugular veins. The external jugular veins empty into the subclavian veins; the internal jugular veins join with the subclavian veins to form the brachiocephalic veins, which join to form the superior vena cava.

Why does jugular vein distention occur?

Jugular vein distention (JVD) occurs when the pressure inside the vena cava, a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood back to the heart, causes a bulging neck vein. The internal jugular vein and external jugular vein run down both sides of your neck.

What is normal JVD?

The jugular venous pressure is usually assessed by observing the right side of the patient’s neck. The normal mean jugular venous pressure, determined as the vertical distance above the midpoint of the right atrium, is 6 to 8 cm H2O.

How do you treat JVD?

Treatments include:

  1. changes in lifestyle and diet.
  2. beta-blockers to decrease the activity of the heart and lower blood pressure.
  3. ACE inhibitors, which help to relax the blood vessels.
  4. diuretics, which help to lower blood pressure by flushing salt and fluid out of the body and relaxing blood vessels.

Which side of the neck is the carotid artery on?

There are two carotid arteries, one on the right and one on the left. In the neck, each carotid artery branches into two divisions: The internal carotid artery supplies blood to the brain. The external carotid artery supplies blood to the face and neck.

How serious is JVD?

JVD can be the sign of a severe condition, including heart failure, so it is vital that a person is seen by a medical professional as soon as possible. While heart failure can happen to anyone, risk factors for heart failure include: high blood pressure.