How does the thoracic pump and the Valsalva Wave affect the heart?
The thoracic pump is a larger pumping system which includes the heart. The thoracic pump is powered by the diaphragm a large strong sheath of muscle that governs the volume of the thoracic cavity. It is believed that the thoracic pump plays a vitally important role in moving the blood in the body. When the diaphragm is not “working”, the burden of blood flow and pressure fall to the heart and vascular system. When it is working, the heart and vascular system are afforded rest. This rest can be observed in the cycle of the autonomic nervous system. In particular, the thoracic pump plays a vitally important role in venous return, offloading the right heart of this work load.
