Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Software for Analysis of Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Time-series Data from the Valsalva Maneuver
Published on: June 27, 2025
Teaching cardiac autonomic function dynamics employing the Valsalva (Valsalva-Weber) maneuver
1Clinical Medicine Area, Cardiology, Cardiovascular Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, and Division of Cardiology, University of Brasilia Hospital, Brasilia, Brazil. lfjunq@unb.br
Abstract:
In this report, a brief history of the Valsalva (Valsalva-Weber) maneuver is outlined, followed by an explanation on the use of this approach for the evaluation of cardiac autonomic function based on underlying heart rate changes. The most important methodological and interpretative aspects of the Valsalva-Weber maneuver are critically updated, and some guidelines are established for simple application of the maneuver in a teaching or research laboratory setting. These include the hemodynamic and cardiac autonomic mechanisms involved, technical aspects such as the intensity and duration of the expiratory straining, frequency of maneuver sessions, training and posture of the individuals tested, different time- and grade change-dependent indexes of heart interval variation, and clinical application of the maneuver.
Related Concept Videos
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Imbalances in Cardiac Output
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques
Mitral Stenosis IV: Nursing Management
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Cardiac Output II: Effect of Stroke Volume on Cardiac Output
Preload
Preload refers to the initial elongation of the cardiac myocytes before contraction and is related to the volume of blood filling the heart at the end of diastole, or end-diastolic volume. The...

