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The Valsalva Maneuver and Coronary Arterial Blood Flow Velocity
Studies in Man
- ALBERTO BENCHIMOL, M.D., F.A.C.P.;
- TING FU WANG, M.D.;
- KENNETH B. DESSER, M.D.; and
- JOHN L. GARTLAN, JR.
Abstract
Effects of the Valsalva maneuver on left coronary blood flow velocity were assessed in 15 patients with the Doppler catheter tip flowmeter. Straining against a closed glottis induced a decline of coronary flow velocity that ranged from 14% to 72%, with a mean of 45% for the study group. In seven of eight patients who executed the Valsalva maneuver twice the maximum decrease of coronary flow velocity was related to the magnitude of mean right atrial pressure rise. In three subjects with heart disease there was an unexpected continuous reduction of coronary flow velocity long into the poststraining period. These adverse consequences of the Valsalva maneuver on coronary blood velocity may account for some cases of "bedpan death."
Article and Author Information
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▸From the Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases, Good Samaritan Hospital, Phoenix, Ariz.
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Supported in part by the Nichols' Memorial Fund, Phoenix, Ariz.
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▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Alberto Benchimol, M.D., Good Samaritan Hospital, 1033 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, Ariz. 85006.
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- Received February 11, 1972.
- Accepted May 11, 1972.
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