The Valsalva maneuver is a set of movements that can change the pressure in your chest. This slows down your heart rate if it's too fast due to a supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). It might also correct a heart rhythm that's not normal.
If you have an episode of SVT that doesn't stop within a few minutes of lying down, you may try the Valsalva maneuver:
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Sit or lie down.
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Take a deep breath and hold it.
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Now bear down hard with your stomach muscles, as if you were trying to have a bowel movement.
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Strain hard and hold the strain for 10 to 15 seconds. The harder you strain, the more likely the maneuver may work.
If this doesn’t stop your symptoms, wait for at least 1 minute and try a second time.
You may also try these movements while lying down and raising your legs at a 45 degree angle. Or rest your legs on a chair if you're lying on the floor. These movements may make it more likely for you to stop the SVT.
What to do next
If this doesn't stop your episode of SVT, call your health care provider and let them know what happened.
If the fast heartbeat keeps going for more than 20 minutes, you may need to go to the emergency room (ER) for treatment.
Don't go to your provider’s office or to a clinic instead of the ER. These places won't be able to do all the testing and treatment needed for this condition.
Even if symptoms are mild, don’t drive yourself to the ER. Have someone else drive you.
Call 911
Call
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Your symptoms are severe. This is the fastest and safest way to get to the ER. The paramedics can start treatment on the way to the hospital.
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You have any of these symptoms along with the fast heartbeat:
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Pain in your chest, shoulder, arm, neck, or upper back.
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Shortness of breath.
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Weakness.
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Feeling faint or lightheaded.
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Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Steven Kang MD
Date Last Reviewed: 11/01/2024
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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