Venous hum is a harmless sound heard in the upper chest and neck due to turbulence in blood vessels. It can be distinguished from harmful heart murmurs and is common in children. Diagnostic tricks and medical tests can confirm the diagnosis, and it is important to note it in the patient’s medical record to avoid confusion with more serious conditions.
Venous hum is a benign vascular phenomenon in which a slight hum can be heard in the vessels of the upper chest and neck. Careful evaluation can distinguish it from harmful conditions such as heart murmurs caused by certain diseases. A note can be placed in the patient’s medical record to inform other healthcare professionals that the sound has been noted and evaluated so they don’t waste any more time making a diagnosis. It is particularly common in children and can appear in one in five children at some point in childhood.
This sound occurs due to turbulence in the blood vessels, which constrict around the collarbone and therefore can become louder in this region. A true venous hum generates a continuous sound because blood is constantly moving through the vessels. This differentiates it from problems originating in the heart, which tend to follow the cycle of the heartbeat. A few other diagnostic tricks can be used to rule out other continuous murmurs.
One option is for a healthcare professional to gently place a finger on the jugular vein, which should cause the sound to stop. Turning your head should also result in a change in sound quality. This demonstrates that venous hum is caused by the cloudiness of the blood in the vessels and not by any other factors. If a doctor has concerns, the patient may be referred to a cardiologist for an evaluation, just to make sure the condition is benign.
Medical imaging studies can exchange blood movement in vessels and the heart to check for blockages and abnormalities. Healthcare professionals can also conduct a patient interview, take blood samples, and use a stress test to see how the patient’s body responds to exertion. These tools can be used to confirm a diagnosis of venous hum or rule out other possible causes if there is cause for concern. Such tests can be frightening for patients and family, but they are often ordered as a safety measure when the doctor is fairly certain of the diagnosis, which is important to keep in mind.
The biggest concern with a venous hum is that it could be mistaken for something more serious. Once identified, it may be a good idea to ensure it is noted in the patient’s medical record. If the patient brings a medical alert card or other medical documentation, venous hum can be discussed to make sure emergency services providers know the noise is normal and has been evaluated. This can reduce the risk of concerns about a patient’s heart health or concerns that a patient may experience problems during anesthesia due to abnormalities found on a quick physical exam before emergency surgery.
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