Living With Atrial Fibrillation

If you have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, suffer from rapid or irregular heartbeat, have chest pain or feel anxious (especially at night), consider these recommendations.

Though all of these recommendations should be helpful—and safe—for almost everyone, be sure to consult with your physician before trying them. If you have not already seen a physician, don’t wait; these symptoms may be indications of more serious conditions.

Recommendations

First, eliminate potential triggers: alcohol, caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate), and any stimulating herbs (ephedra, ginko biloba, ginseng, guarana, horny goat weed, etc.).

Check for side effects of any prescription medications you’re taking. Also, check for stimulants in any over-the-counter drugs you’re taking (e.g., pseudoephedrine).

Reduce sodium. This is difficult since almost all packaged foods contain added sodium. Read the labels. Intake should be less than 2400 mg per day. Stop using table salt. Sodium depletes potassium, essential for the heart.

Increase intake of potassium. You can take supplements (try Source Naturals Potassium Amino Acid Chelated 99 MG – 100 Tablets), but it’s best to get as much potassium as you can from food: bananas, prunes, oranges, tomatoes, raisins, etc. Two of the best sources are blackstrap molasses and coconut water.

Increase intake of magnesium (this is the single most helpful thing I have found). Deficiency is common and magnesium is necessary for a normal heart rhythm. Food sources include dark green, leafy vegetables and nuts, whole grains, and fruits. But if you’re having symptoms, you’re most likely deficient and would benefit from supplementation. I use magnesium citrate (Natural Vitality Natural Calm OZ – 16 Powder), an inexpensive and easily assimilated form, and experienced improvement almost instantly. Start with a spoonful mixed with hot water and work up to as much as 1200 mg. per day (stop if you get diarrhea; magnesium is a laxative). It’s best to divide the dosage into two or three drinks per day. If you take it an hour or so before bedtime, it will help you to relax and you’ll be less likely to experience a racing heart or anxiety in the middle of the night.

Take a good, low-dose multi-vitamin (more is not always better), such as Nature’s Plus Source Of Life Multi-Vitamin W/Whole Food – 90 Tablets.

Experiment with other helpful supplements. We’re all different; what works for me may not work for you. I also take taurine (try

Jarrow Formulas Taurine 1000 MG – 100 Capsules) and CoQ-10 (try

Nature’s Life Coq 10 30 MG – 60 Softgels). These are both helpful for the heart.

Eat a heart healthy diet. Simply put—eat more fruits and vegetables. I consider these three books essential reading: Eat to Live and Eat for Health, by Joel Fuhrman, M.D., and Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, by Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., M.D.

Get some exercise. Walking even 15 or 20 minutes every day will help.

Drink ample fluids. Dehydration can contribute to atrial fibrillation.

Status: Draft. Last edit: 05.23.08