Venous hum

Venous hum is a specific type of vascular murmur that is typically heard in the neck. It is caused by the turbulent flow of blood in the jugular veins. The sound is continuous and is best heard in the neck when the patient is sitting or standing. It is often described as a soft, low-pitched, continuous sound that is louder during diastole. The sound can be eliminated by gentle pressure on the neck or by having the patient turn their head to one side.

Causes

The cause of a venous hum is the turbulent flow of blood in the jugular veins. This can occur for a number of reasons, including anemia, hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, and portal hypertension. In children, a venous hum is often a normal finding and does not indicate any underlying disease.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a venous hum is typically made by a healthcare provider during a physical examination. The provider will listen to the patient's neck with a stethoscope to hear the characteristic sound of a venous hum. Additional tests may be ordered to determine the underlying cause of the venous hum, such as blood tests or imaging studies.

Treatment

The treatment for a venous hum depends on the underlying cause. If the venous hum is caused by anemia, for example, the patient may be treated with iron supplements. If the venous hum is caused by hyperthyroidism, the patient may be treated with medications to reduce the production of thyroid hormones. In some cases, no treatment is necessary.

See also

• Vascular murmur
• Jugular venous pressure
• Heart murmur

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