Valsalva maneuver

What does "Valsalva maneuver" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.

Explanation

The Valsalva maneuver is a simple technique that involves holding your breath and straining, as if you're trying to have a bowel movement. It's often used to try to stop an abnormal heart rhythm or to check the function of a person's heart. The technique can affect blood pressure and heart rate, which is why it's used in medical settings. It's named after Antonio Maria Valsalva, the 17th-century Italian doctor who described it.

Editorial responsibility: BaluMed.

Report excerptExplanation

Confusing Medical Report?

BaluMed makes medicine understandable! Our extensive medical report explanation 'translates' complex medical terms from MRI findings and discharge summaries into easily understandable language. With a combination of artificial intelligence and medical expertise, we offer quickly available and reliable information.

  • Extensive. Summary, explanation per section, glossary.
  • Fast & Reliable. Doctor-reviewed, within 24 hours.
  • Privacy. Documents are automatically anonymized.
  • Multilingual. German, English, Spanish or Italian.