HomeAnswersCardiologyjugular bulb abnormalityMy right and left jugular veins are not similar. Why?

Do the right and left jugular veins exhibit differences?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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iCliniq medical review team

Published At February 21, 2024
Reviewed AtFebruary 21, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

When I bore down, I felt a little round ball under the skin on one of my jugular veins on the left side. I have no other symptoms.

Is it normal?

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Bearing down is called the Valsalva maneuver in medical terms. During valsalva maneuver, it is normal for neck veins to become prominent. This is normal in the absence of symptoms. Since all your cardiac workup is normal, this is normal. These are external jugular veins, which are seen. Sometimes, internal jugular veins are also seen, especially in the case of specific cardiac and noncardiac diseases.

Your veins are normal. No need to worry.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your answer.

So it is normal that the shape of the vein is different on the left side, like in the photo, than on the right side?

On the right, it is smooth and looks like a normal jugular vein. On the left in the photo, it is more lumpy-looking

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

This is normal. Veins usually become visible during Valsalva maneuvers, especially in thin, lean people. It is of no concern if you do not have pain in it, veins disappear, or levels come down with upright posture, no swelling anywhere in the body like arms and feet, and no breathlessness, palpitations, or chest pain.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I understand, but please confirm that it is normal for the left side jugular to be of a different shape and size than the right one.

I know that when doing the Valsalva maneuver, your veins will bulge. What concerns me is the difference between the left and right sides. The left side is lumpy. The right side is smooth.

Is this a concern?

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Veins are not exactly the same on both sides. Even the veins on the back of both hands are not mirror images of each other. Variations in anatomy and positioning can cause them to appear slightly twisted or have curves in specific individuals. These variations are usually normal and may not necessarily indicate a problem.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I will not worry about this. Thank you for giving me peace of mind.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If you have any other queries, feel free to ask.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq
Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq

Cardiology

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