FAQ: Atrial Fibrillation Frequently Asked Questions
I pore over my referral logs looking for search terms to see what you’re interested in, and try to answer your questions here. Feel free to post a question in the comments, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have symptoms of atrial fibrillation. When should I see a doctor?
If you have any symptoms associated with atrial fibrillation—palpitations, rapid or irregular heartbeat, flutter, pounding, anxiety—you should make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. These symptoms can be signs of more serious conditions, such as coronary artery disease.
“IF LIGHTHEADEDNESS, SHORTNESS OF BREATH, CHEST PAIN, NAUSEA, SWEATINESS, THEN CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.” These were the instructions I was given after a trip to the emergency room. You are absolutely better safe than sorry, as the saying goes.
Also, be aware that many people experience no symptoms with atrial fibrillation. This is unfortunate because, even though atrial fibrillation is rarely fatal, it increases your risk of stroke. If in doubt, see your physician.
29 Comments, Comment or Ping
Fiona Taylor
Where can I get a complete list of herbs that I should not take for my Atrial Fibrillation?
I could not take Hawthorn, due to the bad headaches I got. I am taking CoQ10, Magnesium, Alpha Lipoic acid , Omega 3.
I am on metoprolol, 12 1/2 mgs twice a day, and a baby aspirin, once a day.
Due to low blood pressure, I was advised by the EP to up the salt intake and have a lot of V8 with high salt and potassium content. I feel better but still get some episodes. I have not underlying heart disease and have had Afib for15 months.
At night I often get a racing heart, and sometimes palpitations start when I have to get out of bed in the night, and it starts as soon as I get back to bed. I have raised our bed 4 inches as advised by EP and that is helping.
Aug 9th, 2008
Robert Ellis
I’m sorry, I don’t know where you can get a complete list of herbs to avoid if you have afib.
Generally, you should avoid herbs (and other substances) that are stimulating. That includes everything from guarana to yohimbe. But knowing which herbs to avoid—or to take—is more complicated than that. For example, it’s often recommended to avoid ginseng, but I’ve been taking a Chinese herbal formula (Salvia & Amber) that includes ginseng and have had no problems. In fact, it seems to have helped significantly.
If you are interested in using herbs to manage your afib, I would highly recommend seeing an acupuncturist or Chinese herbalist. Traditional Chinese medicine treats the whole person, not the disease, and what’s right for me may not be right for you, even though we share similar symptoms. I’ve had six sessions with an acupuncturist, who prescribed two herbal formulas for me, and it was incredibly helpful.
Aug 9th, 2008
Steve Swann
Hi Robert,
Good website. I wish I could have seen it four years ago when my A-fib started. It scared the crap out of me. I did the whole Emergency room thing. Eight hours and a zillion tests later, they weren’t sure what I had. After a treadmill and monitor it was diagnosed as A-fib. But no one said BOO about dehydration or potassium levels or healthly eating etc.. It took a lot of searching to find the dehydration connection. My first Cardiologist just wanted to do pills. I was on Amiodarone and blood thinners. After about a eight months I found a Electrophysiologist and talked about ablation. I asked him about going off the drugs he said try it. I was episode free for about 18 months and then started having episodes again. Then I discovered the dehydration connection and then started looking into vitamins and supplements. I also substituted Potassium Chloride for Sodium Chloride as a salt. So far I am having some improvement with longer times between episodes. I have to watch my dehydration more. Keep up the good work. More people need to become proactive about their health for whatever reason. I would like to be kept up on any advances and other treatments to followup on.
Steve
Dec 2nd, 2008
joe
I also have Atrial Fibrillation my question is i am taking cumadin blood thinner
and i would like to get off it but i was told it was not a good idea for a blood clot could develop. i wanted to try Natto kinase which i read about can stop blood clots from forming.And i wanted to also try supplements with potassium and magnesium.any ideas on this.
thanks
joe
Mar 2nd, 2009
Robert Ellis
Joe, afib does pose a serious risk of developing a blood clot. I’m not a doctor and I can’t advise you whether it would be safe, in your particular situation, to stop taking Coumadin. I can only share my personal experiences.
I do not take any medication for my afib. I manage my diet and lifestyle, eat foods that are high in potassium and magnesium (such as bananas, blackstrap molasses and sunflower seeds), and take supplements and Chinese herbs. When I stray from my personal protocol, or am under unusual stress, I do sometimes have palpitations or a minor episode. On these occasions, I take Nattokinase or aspirin as an extra precaution. But these occasions have become increasingly rare.
I would strongly encourage you to see an acupuncturist who is also knowledgeable about herbs and nutrition. I have found this tremendously helpful. There are herbs that can help your afib and prevent clots. Your doctor can give you a blood test which can determine whether or not you need to continue taking Coumadin. But again, I would not recommend making changes without your doctor’s knowledge and advice. Your situation may be very different than mine.
Good luck!
Mar 2nd, 2009
Mark
This is a very useful website. Thanks! I have been one of the unlucky ones and have struggled with AFIB for more than 15 years. I have gone through almost every medicine out there. My EP just took me off all of it three weeks ago (except for aspirin) and when I came across your website, I started taking potassium and magnesium supplements with his agreement. So far, so good. I am not sure that I will ever be free of AFIB, but the potassium and magnesium sure seem to be helping. The next step for me is a Cox Maze IV procedure (after two failed ablation attempts at Johns Hopkins), so I am keeping my fingers crossed. My EP is not sure my pathways are from the pulmanory veins, thus the more radical approach. I have never tried seeing an acupuncturist. I am not sure what that entails. But, like I said, the magnesium and potassium seems to be working and hopefully I will be able to avoid surgery.
Mar 2nd, 2009
Robert Ellis
Mark, I’m happy to hear that potassium and magnesium are helping. The longer you take them, the better you should feel. You might also check with your doctor about taking some of the other supplements I recommend, such as CoQ-10, taurine, and hawthorne.
It shouldn’t be hard to find an acupuncturist, depending on where you live (if you’re in California, as I am, it shouldn’t be a problem at all). Acupuncture was helpful to me but, more importantly, a good acupuncturist should also be able to recommend Chinese herbs, or create an herbal formula for you, that will address your unique pattern of symptoms. So you’ll be addressing not only your afib, but other health issues that may be related to it. I was so impressed by my experience with acupuncture and herbs that I’m now a full-time student at an acupuncture college. It can really make a big difference.
Consult with your doctor, but continue to explore other options. I hope you’ll be able to avoid surgery, but if not, best wishes for a successful outcome.
Mar 2nd, 2009
al morice
thank you for this website, i have been dealing with afib 4 years now, had an ablation done but in the last 2 years it has resumed. i have frequent episodes this last one i went to the hospital. i also have a liver disorder and take milk thistle will this affect me with the afib?, how much calcium can i safely take?. thank you.
Mar 29th, 2009
Robert Ellis
Al, I’m sorry, but I can’t give you specific advice; I’m not a doctor and I don’t know enough about your situation. But I would recommend consulting your doctor before taking supplements, especially if you are taking any medication. Regarding the calcium, it is probably more important for you to be getting enough potassium and magnesium. If it’s okay with your doctor, try taking magnesium and adding blackstrap molasses to your diet (it’s high in potassium). See the other posts on this site for more information.
Good luck!
Mar 29th, 2009
Kevin
Robert,
I’ve had an A-fib for about 4 years now.
I found your site because I’m intrigued by your success with acupuncture. I’m based in China and was thinking that as long as I’m here I would love to give it try. Could you please give me some basics on what I need to do? Do you know if the best acupuncturists are in China or Taiwan? I really don’t have a clue on what to look for in an acupuncturist. Do they specialize? Are all going to know how to attempt to treat an A-fib?
Any more info would be much appreciated.
Regards
Apr 2nd, 2009
Robert Ellis
Kevin, there’s nothing in particular you need to do to get acupuncture. And, like anything else, there are good and not-so-good acupuncturists everywhere. I would try a few sessions with an acupuncturist in China and see how you feel. If you don’t see results, try someone else. If you don’t see some results, acupuncture may not be for you.
I found acupuncture to be very helpful, but perhaps even more important is finding someone who is good with herbs. A good herbalist can concoct a formula unique to your specific circumstances. The herbs can take a long time to work, but the effects are more profound.
Good luck!
Apr 2nd, 2009
Lee Plant
I’ve been struggling with afib for almost 20 years. I’m only 54 years old. I was told that CoQ10 thickens the blood and if you’re taking an asprin to thin, you may be defeating that purpose.
Please explain more about the potassium and dehydration. Did you say somewhere that dehydration can cause an afib episode?
May 17th, 2009
Robert Ellis
Lee, I hadn’t heard this about CoQ10. I’ve been taking CoQ10 for more than a year now without any problems. But it’s always best to follow your doctor’s advice, especially if you are on any medication.
Dehydration may predispose someone to an episode because it changes the electrolyte balance. Potassium is necessary for normal heart function. See, for example, Topic: Atrial Fibrillation and potassium.
May 17th, 2009
Richard Layton
I justr saw an acupuncturist who has suggested Four Gentlemen formula to treat my afib…what I’m reading tells me Four Gentlemen is good for a weak spleen and stomach…your thoughts
Jul 9th, 2009
Robert Ellis
Richard, Chinese herbal medicine is a very individual thing. A diagnosis and prescription takes into account the whole person, not just a particular symptom such as afib, so there are any number of formulas that might be prescribed for it. Also, don’t be confused by the reference to Spleen and Stomach. In Chinese medicine, these refer more to functions than anatomical organs. And everything is connected.
Four Gentleman is definitely an appropriate formula for afib. Two of the herbs in particular—Ren Shen and Fu Ling—are indicated for palpitations, but all four herbs work together. I was given a different formula, which I modified after a time and my symptoms improved. Be sure to follow up with your acupuncturist as your symptoms change to see if the formula should be modified or you should take a different formula. And be patient. It’s a tonifying formula, so it may take some time before you see results. It took me a few times before I found the right formula for me, but when I did it made a profound difference in the way I felt.
Jul 9th, 2009
David Eidell
Magnesium supplements seem to help as does avoiding dehydration. I have also purchased a BP and pulse monitor with irregular heartbeat detector. I found that I had off-the-wall episodes of extremely high blood pressure even though I am on four Rx. I was given ISOSORBIDE to use solely during the blood pressure episodes and by BP monitor confirms what I have suspected, high blood pressure and high heart rate are either a sign of impending or a trigger for A-Fib. By “forcing” a lower BP it seems to help. Even my BP monitor confirms the lessening of irregular heartbeats. I try to keep my BP under 145 / 90
Jul 22nd, 2009
Marina
Hi! I have ParoxSysmal A-Fibb diagnosed in 1997. I’m a 55 year old female & has become an almost everyday occurrence & it’s can cause depression as I don’t feel normal or myself like I use to. It’s frustrating & overwhelming. I know Doctors are not God. They are Practicing Medicine. That’s the keyword here. We oftentimes expect them to have answers but they’re human & don’t always know. I’m having some digestive issue which I’m trying to figure out whether that is the cause of my frequent A Fibb Episodes or if A Fibb episodes are causing the digestive issues. There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to it. It seems to happen most often after 2 or 3 hours after eating. Can’t bend over, sometimes I take in a gulp of air that seems to set it off, I have a lot of gas & constant belching. My heart has not enlarged from these episodes. They took an x-ray in ER June 22, 2009. Blood tests were all normal. Potassium levels were good. I’m hyper sensitive so I know when my heart goes or is getting ready to go into A Fibb & when it goes out & back into NSR (normal sinus rhythm). I’m hungry & afraid to eat anything 1/2 the time but I’m pretty religious & disciplined about what I eat because A Fibb does not a happy person make me. Did I mention I am Hypothyroid. I take 60mgs a day of Armour Thyroid but the tests also said my thyroid is fine & they didn’t think thats what’s causing my constant A Fibb. Lord knows I want to feel normal again. Not ever have another A Fibb episode. No surgery. Just want to cure it not manage it. if anyone feels me on this comment please comment or share any info or experience you have that could benefit us all. Together may be we can find an answer. The Heart is the Pulse of Life. We all want Good Rhythm. ;)
Jul 25th, 2009
Marina
P.S. With all my experiences with A Fibb since 1997 Yes Dehydration, low potassium levels which indicates dehydration, chocolate, caffeine, sugar, High Fructose Corn Syrup, MSG (monosodium glutumate) sucrose, fructose, malitol, aspartame, most if not all sugar substitutes can affect A Fibb particularly if you are having stomach or digestive issues. Please! Be aware that for some Taurine can cause Ectopic beats. It’s all trial & error for some of us if we’re trying to manage it on our own. I have a friend who began having Ectopic beats & he said it was the Taurine he had been taking everyday. Just want to help awareness here…
Jul 25th, 2009
Mary
Hi,
I’ve had A-Fib for about 6 years now…I also have a pacemaker due to sick sinus…I had a choice of meds (but the side effects were enormous) or a pacemaker…I chose the latter and got my life back)…but that doesn’t always stop the A-fib…I refuse to take meds and have found an amazing alternative doctor in Asheville, NC where I live, Dr. John Wilson…and a great cardiologist who believes in alternative medicine..my cardiologist has tried to get me on Coumadin and he knows I won’t take it…my gp (Doc wilson) did a bleed out test on me and my blood is too thin due to all the supplements I’ve been taking…works better than the rat poison they call coumadin…he’s done extensive research and says it’s akin in formula to rat poison and causes people to stumble and bruise (particularly the elderly)…I’ve been on liquid magnesium, magnesium supplements, taurine, L-carnetine, fish oil (a very high grade), coq10 (also needs to be high grade), calcium and a multi plus salvia amber recommended by my acupuncturist. (make sure the formula they use is closely watched in the growing process and only manufactured in the US due to lead poisoning…) I have found a tremendous amount of relief using these measures, including the acupuncture…very, very helpful and very calming….LOVE IT…also Doc wilson has given me some great tips (he has had bouts with AB as well)…buy a good laser pointer and when you have an episode just point it directly at your heart medidian (look it up to get the exact point…it will be on the inside of your pinkie right below the knuckle (on the side) where two little bones meet…point it there on both sides for 5 mins. each and it will totally stop the AFib…also a mag light (you can buy at home depot) I bought mine from my doctor) and hold it near your heart also works…I’ve done this many times. Oh, and prayer for healing is also recommended…but all of the above have helped. And Marina is so correct, the foods we eat can set it off. could be why so many have AFib, seems to be so common these days. The foods we eat are killing us…the major triggers for A-fib are sugar, dairy (as it digests and makes into sugar…so eat it sparingly, particularly cheeses), chocolate, wines or any alcohol. So the red wine that’s normally good for hearts is bad if you have A-fib…so basically all the things we’ve grown accustomed to eating are a no, no. Ramp up the bananas, fresh veges, meats and leave off the carbs as much as possible particularly sweets and exercise daily..I mean daily. I notice when I fall off the food wagon cause I love cheese and wine I definitely feel the AFib coming back. So it’s not worth it. I’ve almost completely given all these up. Besides it’s better if you’re trying to keep weight down anyway. You’ll look and feel better, that’s the bonus. Oh, also caffeine, of course. That will really set it off. Hope all this is helpful and if any of you reading out there has any questions feel free to email me directly….we’re all in this together. And I believe very strongly in the power of prayer if you’ve taken care of all the other junk in your life.
Jul 30th, 2009
Marina
Hi! Mary,
THis is GREAT information. I am familiar with most of the supplements, etc. that you share here but what is “multi plus salvia amber” & when you went for Acupuncture how did you phrase what you wanted the acupuncture for? Did you say, I have Atrial Fibrillaiton & I would like to receive Acupuncture for it? I’m curious because I would be interested in having Acupuncture. I’ve had it before but for a shoulder issue & it was effective. I was pleased & satisfied with how I felt after 6 weeks of 2 visits per week. The woman who does it is an elderly Chinese woman who speaks no English but has been practicing Acupuncture for 30 years or more. She was excellent. I didn’t think they could treat A Fib with Acupuncture. The Laser Pointer I wasn’t aware of so Thank You! For sharing that & can you tell me the names of the Companies that make your High Grade Magnesium, Fish Oil & other supplements you are taking? I would greatly appreciate it. I LOVE & Im sorry I failed to mention the POWER of PRAYER. YES! I FIRMLY & STRONGLY BELIEVE in Prayer. Thank You! For reminding me. I’ll keep everyone on here in my prayers daily. I must mention to those of you out there who are having issues to perhaps rule out certain things with your healthcare if like myself you are frustrated & trying to figure out the cause. I haven’t figure it out yet but I started by ruling out H-Pylori (Helicobacter Pylori) a stomach bacteria (Please! Google it for more in depth info) any kind of Colitis, Gastritis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Hiatal Hernia, have an endoscopy &/or colonoscopy done if you can to rule out those issues as well as any other digestive disorders you may be experiencing. I believe those ailments if acute can cause A Fib bouts or episodes. When I was first diagnose with A Fib in 97 I had a bad case of Colitis & it only served to make my A Fib episodes more frequent & intense. I’m just sharing my experience. It’s not the rule but something to look into for those of you who are suffering the same way I am. When you’re in a preoccupation state of mind with what you’re going through you can’t always think of things that could be the culprit. It’s all one body & all connected so anything is possible, I believe. Peace & Blessings ;)
Aug 2nd, 2009
TONI
I heard that coq10 is not good for atrial fibrillation. Is that true?
Sep 2nd, 2009
Judith
Hello, I’m glad I found this helpful website — and found many new tips. So far, though, no one has mentioned sleep apnea as a possible trigger for afib (and other heart conditions, too), especially if you’re tired during the day (even when you’re not in afib), feel like you’re lacking oxygen, or if the afib occurs during the night. (When I had a sleep study for apnea, they found that while sleeping I had stopped breathing dozens of times — once for a whole minute, something I couldn’t do in my waking life.) And an apnea episode certainly could trigger afib. So it’s worth considering having a sleep study and using a CPAP machine if it’s recommended. (A CPAP machine/mask delivers enough pressure to keep your airways open and prevent apnea episodes.)
Sep 2nd, 2009
Steve Swann
Has anyone tried Fibritab ? http://fibritab.com/2/contact.html I was thinking of trying it, but wondered if there were any current users out there?
Sep 2nd, 2009
Robert Ellis
Steve, this looks interesting, but I’m very skeptical. First, notice the ingredients at these two sites:
Fibritab
A 100% All-Natural Parkinson’s Disease Treatment
Identical ingredients, same company.
Both sites claim to have clinically proven results, yet on both sites the link to the results pops up a window that reads: “Clinical study soon to be posted here.” The site is copyright 2005-2008. How long should it take to produce the results?
Also, see:
OSLO HEALTH SOLUTIONS Complaints – Fraud
Oslo Health Solutions: Preying On The Sick Part I
I personally would not purchase a supplement from an unknown company. It is risky to self diagnose, not to mention the risk of financial loss from doing business with a disreputable company (Fibritab is $80). There are natural alternative treatments for afib. My highest recommendation is to see an acupuncturist who is also an herbalist, who will prescribe a formula suited to your individual health situation.
Sep 8th, 2009
Joy
Hi
This is my first post. I’ve just gone into AFIB and because it scares the living daylights out of me decided to do a search and find some info/support. This site seems to offer both. I’m 67 and have had ‘it’ for 4 years. Marina I can relate totally to your problems. It’s called Vagal A Fib, and it is mainly triggered by eating and or drinking which is what happened to me tonight. I have been feeling unwell for a week now and have felt like I was going to have an attack, and indeed did have a couple of small ones which kicked out after about 3-4 minutes. Tonight I ate my dinner very fast and drank a full glass of orange juice on top of it and ‘bang’…straight into AF.
I’m never sure when to head off to Emergency. What do others do. I hate the thought of going as I’ve been that many times.
My heart rate usually is around 160 but very erratic and can last for up to 8 hours. I take Asprin and if it persists, I take Tambocor 50 mg 2 times in the next to hours.
Sep 12th, 2009
Pat O'Connor
I am 51 and have been in lone persistent a-fib since I was 5-months pregnant 2002. Cardioversion was recommended after the baby was born, but I didn’t want to go there. I was told to go on aspirin therapy 325 mg. At that time catheter ablation was a rather new procedure. I have never tried vitamins yet, but a Chinese doctor told me I had heart problems in 1998. I was dagnosed with mitrol valve prolapse in 1999 and went into a-fib 5 months after druing a treadmill test. I was also found to have lyme disease which was treated with doxycyclene. In december 2008 I had a TIA and an mRI showed I had a stroke 6 months prior (or sometime bfore 6 months unknown). I am now on coumadin and about to have cardioversion (outlook bleak) and catheter ablation. I am going to try vitamins this week. Does anyone know how this (magnesium, taurine and potassium) affect coumadin? I probably only have a 60-70% chance with CA , but my EP thinks I shoul try to stop some of the electrical activity before it gets worse. Any ideas? I have never been one to drink a lot of water and think I will try this as well.
Oct 14th, 2009
Marie
TONI
I heard that coq10 is not good for atrial fibrillation. Is that true?
Hi Toni
I read the same thing doing research, also Taurine gets a negative with A Fib. I am really afraid to try these suplements…don’t want to make it worse…
Marie
Oct 30th, 2009
Dianne
Good to stumble onto this site! I’ve had a-fib symptoms since I was in my early 30’s (am now 65), actually diagnosed about 5 years ago. Have been on Atenolol for about 22 years, also a diuretic (both for high BP) and now Levothyroxine for borderline low thyroid. My episodes are more frequent now but seem to last shorter periods of time (up to 1 hour or so, used to last up to 4 or more). Have been trying to identify triggers, seems there is no one in particular but if any 2 of the following are present an episode is likey to occur: stress, exhaustion, caffeine, alcohol, dehydration, overeating….now I think sugar, too. Sometimes I think I’ve “dodged the bullet” as I feel well after a couple of martinis before dinner, but seems I pay for it about about3-4 hours later. THis is a scary condition, it’s comforting to know it’s rarely fatal but each time it happens can’t help but wonder if it’s a heart attack this time….get a very uncomfortable full feeling at the base of my throat. Jst started seeing a cardiologist, he wants me on a statin (cholesterol is 220) which I do not want to start. Love to see other people’s experiences with this darned thing!
Nov 18th, 2009
Sandy
What herbs are good for Atrial Fib and shoul you take Co Q-10, ginko, echonasia, fish oil, E, VitaminD3, and calcium? Aslo, which kind of calcium, magnisium, potassium and how to take? Please mention all supplements that are helpful.
Thanks.
Sandy
Jan 18th, 2010
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