It is a widely shared belief that when you sneeze, your heart momentarily stops. This common query raises questions about the physiological events occurring during this forceful expulsion of air.
Dispelling the Myth
The widespread notion that your heart stops during a sneeze is a persistent misconception. While the sensation might feel significant due to the body’s powerful reflex, the heart continues its rhythmic contractions without interruption. This myth stems from various physiological responses that occur during a sneeze, which can be misinterpreted.
The Heart’s Response During a Sneeze
A sneeze involves a complex series of physiological events that impact the circulatory system, but do not halt the heart. Before a sneeze, you take a deep breath, followed by a forceful exhalation against a closed glottis. This action, known as the Valsalva maneuver, temporarily increases pressure within the chest cavity (intrathoracic pressure). This rise in pressure can briefly compress the large blood vessels returning blood to the heart.
As intrathoracic pressure builds, blood flow to the heart temporarily decreases, causing a slight, momentary drop in blood pressure. In response, the heart rate may briefly slow down as the vagus nerve is stimulated. Once the sneeze erupts and the pressure is released, blood flow rapidly returns to the heart, and the heart rate might momentarily increase to compensate for the earlier slowdown. These rapid fluctuations in pressure and heart rate are normal physiological adjustments and do not constitute a stoppage of the heart.
Understanding the Sensation
The intense physical sensations experienced during a sneeze often contribute to the misconception that the heart stops. The forceful nature of a sneeze, combined with the sudden pressure changes within the chest, can create a distinct feeling within the body. This includes the temporary slowing of the heart rate or a brief alteration in rhythm, which might be perceived as a “skip” or a “pause.”
Such a fleeting sensation can be easily misinterpreted as the heart stopping, especially given the involuntary nature of a sneeze. The rapid shift from increased chest pressure to its sudden release can also feel quite pronounced. This combination of physiological responses and the body’s interpretation of those sensations helps perpetuate the common belief, despite the heart continuing to beat throughout the process.