Valsalva Maneuver

This lecture explores the Valsalva maneuver, a technique involving changes in thoracic pressure to observe cardiovascular effects. By applying pressure to the thorax, the heart's filling decreases, impacting blood pressure and heart rate. The instructor demonstrates the maneuver using a piezoelectric sensor on the finger to measure arterial pressure changes. The lecture covers the physiological responses during the maneuver, including the increase in heart rate to compensate for reduced filling. The instructor analyzes the recorded data, highlighting the relationship between pressure changes and heart rate variations. The Valsalva maneuver's impact on cardiovascular function is discussed, emphasizing the importance of allowing the cardiovascular system to recover after each trial.