Can the heart rate increase by pressing on the vagus nerve or carotid artery?
I periodically check my heart rate and often times by applying pressure to my carotid artery (on my neck). Many times, I have noticed that when I first put my finger there, the rate would seem slow, then suddenly begin speeding up. I typically measure it at rest. I don’t have any heart problems nor arrhythmias. Is what I am doing dangerous? Thanks.
