Ask a doctor on the topic of Internal medicine

carotid artery

December 15, 2013 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Christian Welsch

Hello,

I have to address you again and I am also a bit embarrassed. (I would also prefer if the question would not be made public)
When I am on the toilet and need to "push", I have noticed that it bubbles and gurgles above my collarbone in the hollow towards the neck on the carotid artery, it only happens when I am pushing. But I can see it properly, I can also feel the muscles tighten and push forward. It is like a small pulsating bump. I have talked to another anxiety patient, and he mentioned it could cause this syndrome: http://www.aok.de/bundesweit/91267.php?id=3164
This is making me even more afraid because I don't know if it is related.
My primary care physician once listened to the side of my neck as I requested it, but only for a few seconds, she said it would be immediately noticeable if something was blocked.
I am female, 32 years old, 54 kg, no medication, the last cholesterol level was 182 I believe, but that was about half a year ago. Is this gurgling serious? Otherwise, I don't feel it, only when pushing as mentioned, sometimes the muscles twitch in the neck, but I can distinguish that, it's a different feeling.

Christian Welsch

Dear questioner, coughing increases pressure in the chest and hinders venous return to the heart. It is not entirely clear to me where the noise is coming from in your case, it certainly has nothing to do with the carotid artery, it is surely a harmless phenomenon. Do not be afraid. Regards, C. Welsch