Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

On 7/12/06, Bruce Weary DC <bweary@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

  I have known about certain reflexes in the body that can slow the
heart rate, two of the most notable being the oculocardiac reflex and
the carotid sinus reflex. The article at the website listed below gives
an interesting review of something called the "diving response." These
reflexes have other medical effects, but some gentle massage over the
face/eyes or maybe a cool sponge over the eyes might help slow the pulse
rate. Heidi or Susan G., any comments? Dr Q
     http://www.cmhmassage.co.uk/MTIGB/seal

I have  questions about lowering  the heart rate via reflexes... if the HR is fast, isn't it fast for a reason?  If you use a reflex to short-circuit the heart rate into slowing down, isn't the original reason(s) for the fast heart rate still there?  ie - cooling, carrying nutrition/waste to/from the tissues?  If you slow the heart rate when it needs to go fast, what happens to the overall system?

just wondering...
Rosalie, renowned question-asker