The Valsalva maneuver is a breathing technique that can be used to help diagnose a problem with the autonomic nervous system (ANS). It can also be used to help restore a normal heart rate if your ...

The Valsalva maneuver is one of several simple physical actions called vagal maneuvers that act on the vagus nerve to slow your heart rate. Doctors may suggest vagal maneuvers to try and slow your ...

During cardiac auscultation, I have the patient lean forward, take a deep breath, and forcefully exhale. The combination of maneuvers causes retractions of the chest cavity, making the heart closer to ...