@heartdrsaucier: Visual clues at the bedside can quietly reveal a lot about heart health. In this clip, we see striking jugular venous distention that becomes less prominent with gentle pressure on the vein, helping distinguish it from the carotid pulse. This kind of careful observation often supports our assessment of volume status and right-sided heart pressures in a real and practical way. Marked jugular venous distention may be seen in conditions such as significant tricuspid regurgitation, advanced heart failure, or other causes of elevated right-sided pressures, all of which typically require thoughtful evaluation and follow up. When we explain to patients that the jugular vein can function like a “pressure gauge” for the heart, it can sometimes make these complex findings a bit easier to understand. Share this with someone interested in bedside cardiology, and add your questions or experiences in the comments so we can learn together.
Stephanie Saucier MD, FACC
Region: US
Monday 13 April 2026 12:05:05 GMT
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Dr_Shilla :
elusive med student here. Sorry, I’m late. This is tricuspid regurgitation. Pulmonary arterial hypertension prevents blood from easily emptying out the right ventricle into the pulmonary arteries. This allows pressure buildup and backflow from the right ventricle through the tricuspid valve increasing pressure in the right atria. This creates an issue with return of blood flow through the jugular vein eventually into the right atria. Veins don’t have as much musculature as arteries allowing them to become distended when pressure increases which is what is happening here. Anyway, I’m about to start my third year. Wish me luck!
2026-05-26 16:29:17
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The Laughing Man :
So if this was severe tricuspid regurgitation is it because during systole the right ventricle contacts, blood goes back into the right atrium and the pressure pushes blood back into the SVC? While at the same time regular flow also fills up the vessels from the opposite side?
2026-05-16 00:14:28
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Percy :
We are waiting for the solution 🤔
2026-05-14 12:36:09
85
appleuser62468744 :
Hypochondriac here…. are we talking my right or your right?
2026-05-15 02:41:26
33
orchard.sky :
How would you be so sure carotid artery were not pressed as well? Artery and vein are close. Based on this pic alone, very hard to differentiate from carotid aneurysm. Best way is to get an ultrasound done. Easy and clear.
2026-06-25 05:08:27
0
Today :
Just curious what makes this happens? How is treated? Can it return? It is hereditary? I have a whole list of questions because this is so interesting to see.
2026-05-15 02:45:30
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krazychocoholic101 :
Would it be mitral regurg and not stenosis?
2026-05-16 02:38:33
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TerriBee :
What does it mean when the pulsing distention happens between your clavicle at the bottom of your windpipe?
2026-05-21 18:49:39
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tayom Veronica t. :
bro ths is plilipno😭
2026-06-25 14:52:52
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Azeemen :
lots of big grammars, no real explanation of the cause and how to prevent such
2026-05-18 18:55:24
0
broken :
is it painful 👀🤷♂️
2026-05-25 19:30:10
1
reada1970 :
I feel that! and I have to put pressure there to get it to allow down. I have vein tortuosity.
2026-05-24 00:27:24
0
pianomelodiesoflea :
why exactly do you know that it has to be venous?
2026-06-24 21:16:59
0
Hemistone Clinton :
the guy is angry advise him to cool down
2026-05-17 20:30:56
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JM IDRIS :
I don’t belive this video Was meant for anyone who hasn’t spend 6years in med school.
2026-05-15 10:37:17
1
Levelsman Collins tech :
Na wa
2026-05-16 01:36:32
0
dannyndkn :
Tf you mean wooow! 😂
2026-05-14 03:23:20
2
jarenanders0n :
Straight jargon
2026-05-14 19:33:22
1
ademi :
He looked relived after she put a lil pressure on it
2026-05-14 20:12:08
1
Matthew 🇺🇸 :
Is this supposed to make me cringe
2026-06-30 21:39:06
0
Winkyy2k :
😂
2026-06-10 01:34:22
0
Stephanie :
😅
2026-05-19 23:07:37
0
Yes I Eat 🐱 :
😂😂😂
2026-06-20 00:49:54
0
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