There are 3 easy ways to increase vagal tone, but only one is recommended:
1. Valsaval maneouvre -- basically increasing the intrathoracic pressure by blowing into a tightly pinched nose and a closed mouth. Always tell patients to use this one ONLY.
2. Carotid massage -- massaing the carotid bodies trigger off the baroreflex which increases the vagal tone and lowers cardiac output. Not recommended as A) could dislodge atheroma. B)could lead to severe bradycardia or even asystole in especially the elderly.
3. Eyeball massage -- Not recommended as there is risk of retinal detachment.
1. Valsaval maneouvre -- basically increasing the intrathoracic pressure by blowing into a tightly pinched nose and a closed mouth. Always tell patients to use this one ONLY.
2. Carotid massage -- massaing the carotid bodies trigger off the baroreflex which increases the vagal tone and lowers cardiac output. Not recommended as A) could dislodge atheroma. B)could lead to severe bradycardia or even asystole in especially the elderly.
3. Eyeball massage -- Not recommended as there is risk of retinal detachment.
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