A professor has issued a stark warning about the hidden dangers of using the toilet, highlighting a potentially fatal risk of heart attack. Michelle Spear, a professor of anatomy at the University of Bristol, described the bathroom as “sometimes the most dangerous room in the house.”
She explained that the danger centers around the Valsalva manoeuvre—a common act of straining while holding your breath during bowel movements. “This action increases pressure in the chest, which reduces the return of blood to the heart,” Spear said. “While usually harmless, for people with heart conditions, this can trigger fainting spells, irregular heart rhythms, or even sudden death—a phenomenon known as 'defecation syncope.'”
Professor Spear emphasized the role of the vagus nerve, which helps regulate heart rate. Overstimulation of this nerve—caused by intense straining or rectal pressure—can lead to a sharp drop in heart rate and blood pressure, sometimes resulting in unconsciousness. “For those with underlying heart issues, a trip to the toilet can turn into a life-threatening event,” she warned.
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