Performing a great need is a daily part of life, but according to expert Michelle Spear from the University of Bristol May seemingly routine activity pose a serious health risk – especially for people with heart diseasestates.
When visiting the toilet, many people are activated. Valsalv’s maneuver – It is a breath retention and a strong pushing that closes the mouth and nose and significantly increases the chest pressure. This reflex is common in emptying, but it can be extremely dangerous for some persons.
“For most people, this maneuver is harmless, but in patients with cardiac problems it can lead to a so -called defecation syncope (falling down), irregular heart rhythm, even sudden death,” says Spear. Beyond this phenomenon stands Vago nerve – it also regulates heart activity. In case of excessive irritation, such as strong pushing or pressure in the rectum, the heart rate (bradycardia), a drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness may slow down.
One of the best known cases that may be related to this is the death of Elvis Presley. The singer was found dead on the bathroom floor at his headquarters Graceland on August 16, 1977. Although it has long been speculated about drug overdose, autopsy revealed a serious chronic constipation impaired by a high -fat diet and a low fiber proportion, as well as long -term use of opioids. On the fateful morning he was supposed to push hard in the toilet – according to Spear, Valsalv’s maneuver could have caused a fatal heart arrhythmia in the already weakened heart.
Phone on the toilet don’t wear
However, this is not the only risk that the toilet poses. Long sitting, often caused by the use of the phone during emptying, increases pressure on the venous system in the rectum area. The result may be hemorrhoids or anal cracks, It warns Spear
“Modern habits add new risks. The phone in the toilet often means a longer sitting time, which increases the pressure on the rectal veins,” he explains. In addition, mobile phones can be a source of bacteria and viruses. Studies have even shown that some phones have been contaminated with faecal bacteria and may contain more microbes than the toilet bowl board itself.
The incorrect sitting position may also be a problem. The western type of toilets holds the rectum at an angle that makes it difficult to empty and increases the need for pushing. Therefore some people help the pads under the feet or so -called. “Toilet pedestals”, that mimic the more natural position in the squat – common in Asia or Africa.
How to reduce the risk to the toilet?
– Avoid strong pushing
– Do not use your phone while sitting
– shorten the time spent on the toilet
– Consider using a footstool for a better position
– Follow a diet with plenty of fiber
