Rectal Exam Instantly Stabilizes Irregular Heartbeat in 29-Year-Old Man

2 articles · Updated · Livescience.com · Apr 29

The patient, from Queens, New York, experienced atrial fibrillation with a heart rate of 140 bpm, which normalized to 80 bpm after the exam.
Doctors believe the digital rectal exam stimulated the vagus nerve, restoring normal heart rhythm without medication or cardioversion, and the patient remained symptom-free at a three-month follow-up.
This rare case suggests rectal exams may help treat certain arrhythmias, though more research is needed before considering it a standard practice alongside traditional therapies for atrial fibrillation.

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