10. Swelling of Neck Veins (Jugular Venous Distension)
Another classic sign of heart failure is jugular venous distension (JVD), where the veins in the neck appear bulging or swollen. This happens because blood backs up into the large veins returning blood to the heart, especially in right-sided heart failure.
Patients may not always notice this themselves, but doctors look for it during physical exams. JVD is most visible when sitting upright at a 45-degree angle. It tells doctors that the heart is overloaded and cannot handle the returning blood.
Let’s consider Mr. Richard, a 60-year-old businessman. He often felt tired and complained of leg swelling. During his hospital visit, the doctor asked him to sit at an angle and immediately pointed out his bulging neck veins. “This shows your heart is under strain,” the doctor explained. Tests confirmed right-sided heart failure. With medicines and fluid restriction, his condition improved, and the swelling reduced.