Vagus Nerve

What is the mechanism that controls the heart rate in the appropriate levels? Im thinking the vagus nerve

[Cleveland Clinic]

It is a combination of both the vagus nerve ( the parasympathetic nerve) and sympathetic nerves. During rest it is mainly kept in check by the parasympathetic nerve, which generally decreases the rate and speed of conduction of the native heart impulses. When your exert yourself, this vagal input decreases and concomitantly the sympathetic system causes both an increase in the heart rate, increase in the conduction speed, and increases your blood pressure. This is called sometimes the fight/flight response.

[TommyTurbo]

Hi,

Back just before the turn of the century, I experienced a cocaine (crack) related overdose by mouth, quite by accident.  It was about the size of a fingernail on the pinky, in terms of volume.  Being that I workout daily, I imagine this slight pain I feel in the lower right quadrant of the right breast to be the damaged nerve innervating with the muscle.  Could there be any problems related to the heart, now or down the line?  If you are unable to help me, could you refer me to someone who might?  Thank you for your time and consideration.  

[momtofourboys]

If you think that your vagus nerve is causing problems like passing out/low heart rate when it shouldn't be (Like when walking) then how do they test you to find out if your vagus nerve isn't functioning correctly?
Thank you
Michelle

[KimShun]

I have a vagus nerve injury and they tested it by doing autonomic testing. It's been a few years and many tests later, but I remember them wiring me, similar to an ekg and having me do different things, while they monitored my skin temp, blood flow, blood pressure,. Quick breathing, standing, etc....I was shocked to see how many things in my body are affected by the vagus nerve. I have had trouble with heart, digestion, swallowing...which, then affect so many other things, like blood sugar, weight loss, fatigue...Good luck to you.

[cbarrett]

WHat is that test called- the autonomic test? Can you be more specific? Thanks..

[KimShun]

i'm not a doctor, just a patient. LOL, but my doctor tried to explain it to me The vagus nerve is an autonomic nerve. Which means it's one that contols things we have no control over...for example, blood pressure heart rate, swallowing...all things we do automatically, So to do a autonomic test of the vegus nerve can show if you have difficulty with these functions. In my case, when my heart rate was elevated, it would not slow down on it's own, because the response was not there from my vegus nerve. Also, my food does not travel through to my intestines, because I have a low vagal response. When they did the autonomic testing on me, they measured my blood pressure and heart rate while I was on a tilt table. Then I had to do deep breathing and valsalva while I was blowing in a tube.