Jugular vein distention (JVD) is when a large vein in your neck visibly bulges. While not painful, it often signals serious heart or circulation issues. “When it occurs continuously, it’s often a sign of serious — or even life-threatening — heart and circulatory problems.”

Common Causes of JVD
Several heart-related conditions can lead to increased central venous pressure (CVP), causing JVD:

Right-sided heart failure: Fluid builds up when the heart can’t pump well.

Pulmonary hypertension: High lung artery pressure backs up blood.

Constrictive pericarditis: Inflammation of the heart sac restricts blood flow.

Superior vena cava obstruction: A blockage, usually from a clot or tumor.

Tricuspid valve stenosis: A narrowed valve disrupts flow inside the heart.

Cardiac tamponade: Fluid buildup compresses the heart.