Concept2 Forum

Hi,
I've been using a model D since May and just about at 900,000m rowed so far and loving it. I have a question I'm curious about and hope that those of you out there who are doctors perhaps or cardio experts can help...

I drink about half a litre of water 5 to 10 mins prior to rowing. After about 10mins in to the row (I typically row for an hour at a time, 22 spm, 2.00/500m. HR approx. 165) I burp - and when I do so, my heart rate drops by between 5 - 10 bpm for a minute or so, then returns to normal.

It doesn't bother me - I'm just curious as to why, and haven't managed to find an explanation on the web anywhere. Does the pressure of the burp force more air into the blood stream so my heart temporarily doesn't think it has to beat as hard to get blood to the muscles, or something else?

Be interested in seeing if this happens to anyone else, or if anyone has an answer!

Thanks,

Andy P.

That's the fancy name for this general phenomenon. In a minority of people, swallowing (deglutition) or belching results in a drop in heart rate (bradycardia), generally thought to be due to stimulation of the vagal nerve (which runs right next to the esophagus). There are reports of people who actually faint after eating. It sounds like yours is rather minor- I wouldn't worry about it.

Andrew

Hi,
Thanks for the fast and interesting reply. I'll check it out. Not worries about it, just seemed interesting and presumed thatsomeone here would know the reason - and I was right! Many thanks, it's greatly appreciated.
Andy P.