• Question: does your heart stop beating when you sneeze?

    Asked by erin1598 to Amy, Drew, Julia, Kimberley, Sara on 22 Jun 2011.
    • Photo: Drew Rae

      Drew Rae answered on 20 Jun 2011:

      Hi Erin. No, it doesn’t, although your lungs can spasm when you cough or sneeze, so it might feel like your heart hurts.

    • Photo: Amy MacQueen

      Amy MacQueen answered on 20 Jun 2011:

      Hi erin!

      No, technically it doesn’t although it thechanging pressure in your chest due to sneezing also changes your blood flow, which may change the rhythm of your heartbeat. This means that you may feel like your heart “skips a beat” – but it just means that there is a slight delay before the next beat…not that it has stopped!!

      Just as well really! some people sneeze A LOT!!

    • Photo: Sara Imari Walker

      Sara Imari Walker answered on 22 Jun 2011:

      Hi Erin! That is a common myth isn’t it! I was actually unsure – but Drew and Amy have clarified it for me too! Great question =)

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