The Valsalva maneuver is a drug-free method that is usually used to try to bring a type of abnormal heart rhythm back to normal quickly. When performed correctly, this procedure has a greater chance of success. However, the Valsalva maneuver is not always successful. Sometimes further medical treatment is required to restore the patient's condition.

When is it Necessary to Perform?

Valsalva maneuver is one part of the vagal maneuver method that affects the vagus nerve to help slow down the heartbeat. The Valsalva maneuver is commonly performed when the heart beats too fast and irregularly due to a fast heart rhythm called supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

Valsalva maneuver is one part of the vagal maneuver method that affects the vagus nerve to help slow down the heartbeat. The Valsalva maneuver is commonly performed when the heart beats too fast and irregularly, due to a fast heart rhythm called supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

The heart rate during an SVT episode can reach very high levels, up to 250 beats per minute. This is much faster than the normal heart rate of 60–100 beats per minute at rest. This condition is generally diagnosed by doctors through the patient's symptoms and the help of a heart recording device (ECG).

This maneuver involves breathing techniques that are performed to restore the heart rate back to normal. The Valsalva maneuver is not only performed to stop SVT, but can also be performed in other conditions, including:

• Can affect the intensity of heart murmurs and help doctors determine the type of heart murmur a patient has
• Aids in the diagnosis of heart failure and other diseases, such as venous blood vessel problems
• Helps diagnose problems with the autonomic nervous system that controls heart rate, breathing and other bodily functions
• Helps remove foreign bodies from the middle ear

Read more: Tanda Bahaya Penyakit Jantung yang Tak Boleh Diabaikan

How to Perform the Valsalva Maneuver

The Valsalva maneuver can be performed at home if you have a good understanding of how to perform it, and have received instructions from a healthcare professional. The steps of the Valsalva maneuver are usually taught if you have a history of SVT.

The Valsalva maneuver is also usually administered to patients by doctors or other health workers. The steps to perform this procedure include:

• Sit or lie down comfortably
• Taking a deep breath
• Cover the nose and mouth
• Pushing the breath out through the closed nose and mouth while straining as if having a bowel movement
• Hold your breath for 15-20 seconds
• Open your nose or mouth and exhale

Read more: 8 Kebiasaan Baik Menurut Para Ahli Agar Jantung Sehat

As previously mentioned, the Valsalva maneuver is not always successful in addressing rapid heart rhythms in SVT. Also, due to the risk of increasing pressure in the eyes and abdomen, not everyone should undergo this procedure. Individuals with heart valve disease, coronary artery disorders, congenital abnormalities, retinopathy problems, or those who have recently undergone cataract surgery should avoid the Valsalva method.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain, an abnormal heartbeat, signs of a stroke, or fainting, especially if you have a history of SVT.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

Looking for more tips and information regarding other health conditions? Click here!