What is a common outcome of vagal maneuvers?

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Vagal maneuvers are techniques used primarily to address certain types of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), and they work by increasing vagal tone, which stimulates the vagus nerve. This can lead to a slowing of the heart rate and can help stabilize heart rhythms, particularly in cases of paroxysmal tachycardia. By enhancing vagal activity, these maneuvers can disrupt reentrant circuits in the heart, allowing the normal sinus rhythm to resume.

The effectiveness of vagal maneuvers lies in their ability to temporarily increase parasympathetic nervous system influence on the heart, which can help to restore a normal heart rhythm in certain arrhythmias. They are often simple to perform and may involve actions like carotid sinus massage, holding one's breath, or the Valsalva maneuver.

In contrast, the other options describe outcomes that are not aligned with the purpose or effects of vagal maneuvers. They do not drastically increase heart rate; instead, they are designed to help manage and reduce elevated heart rates. Additionally, they are not associated with inducing atrial fibrillation or deemed ineffective in all arrhythmias, as they specifically target certain types of SVT.

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