Credit: iStock/courtneyk Like many dads, I love a little reading time with my 3-year-old before bed. Because of my work, my son and I talk about “heart beeps,” as he calls them. One night, he asked if I wanted to hear his heart beep. I said yes and laid my head on his chest. Doing … Continue reading How a Swallow Slows the Heart
Vagus nerve
What Are the Mayday Signs of a Vasovagal Syncope Attack?
Credit: iStock/bymuratdeniz Lightheadedness, nausea, ringing ears, blurred vision. Suddenly you lose consciousness and wake up on the ground. These are your “mayday” signals when vasovagal syncope attacks. Vasovagal syncope, also known as vasodepressor syncope, is the most common cause of fainting. It can be triggered by various situations, including dehydration, extreme heat or standing for … Continue reading What Are the Mayday Signs of a Vasovagal Syncope Attack?
Spotlight On: The Vagus Nerve
Credit: Yoko Wang In recent years, the vagus nerve has become more well-known than ever before, as it has become a golden target for many chronic disease therapies. What is the vagus nerve? And what does it do, and why is it so important to our health? For centuries, the vagus nerve (also called the … Continue reading Spotlight On: The Vagus Nerve