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The effects of blood‐draw and injection stimuli on the vasovagal response
Author(s) -
Gilchrist Philippe T.,
Ditto Blaine
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
psychophysiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.661
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1469-8986
pISSN - 0048-5772
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8986.2012.01359.x
Subject(s) - vasovagal syncope , fainting , psychology , anxiety , blood pressure , heart rate , audiology , anesthesia , developmental psychology , medicine , neuroscience , psychiatry , reflex
Vasovagal reactions ( VVR ) are common, complicating and deterring people from various medical procedures. A recent perspective ( R . R . D iehl, [Diehl, R. R., 2005]) suggests that VVR developed from the adaptive process of hemorrhagic fainting, perhaps as a means of preparing for anticipated blood loss. The primary goal of this study was to compare vasovagal symptoms during intravenous‐injection and blood‐draw videos. Sixty‐two young adults watched the videos. Vasovagal symptoms were assessed with self‐report, blood pressure, and heart rate variability. As predicted, participants reported more vasovagal symptoms and anxiety following the blood‐draw video. Sympathetic nervous system activity (low‐ to high‐frequency ratio) decreased during both videos but significantly more during the blood‐draw video, although this could be reversed by the Applied Tension technique. Results are discussed in terms of the relevance of specific stimuli and emotions in VVR .