Recommendations for 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
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
40 Comments, Comment or Ping
Karl
very reassuring to read. I don,t feel as alone after reading this, thankz
Feb 17th, 2010
Mark
This is a great website and I am so glad I found it. I am a new A-Fib patient who just had an unsuccessful ablation and am looking for ways to deal with the problem.
Mar 17th, 2010
Truus
I’m now 66 and the aortic valve replaced 17 years ago with a mechanical one. A few years later developed CONSTANT Atrial Fibrilation. Had 7 cardio-versions in a about 5 years time. AF kept coming back. After that had an Ablation which didn’t work. My heartbeat right now is between the 80 and 90 beats and the cardiologist wants to change the Dygoxin to Bisoprolol, but just reading the possible side effect this is a no-no for me. I try to avoid medication (although I am taking Coumadin – I see the importance of that) and would rather try anything natural to at least get the heartbeat down to an average of about 70-75 even if it stays irreguar. (I got sort of used to the irregularity, although to get a steady heartbeat would be a gift from heaven!)
Any advise will be very much appreciated.
Mar 21st, 2010
Ann Wyatt
Hello Truus.
You could also try the magnesium. Apart from the benefits to your body generally, it helps to support the heart muscle and control blood pressure. As I suggested to Darrell (my apologies to him for spelling his name incorrectly in my posting) take a note of the foods and drink you are having. These days the preservatives 220 (sulphites) and all those in this range 220+ are horrendous and trigger Afib episodes. 220 is in wine and many packaged foods, including the Weight Watchers products. I would be very interested to know how you get on if you start taking magnesium. I have my cardiologist and my GP very interested in my results and that’s amazing. In fact, my cardiologist commented that on my last ECG that my heart seemed to have got ‘younger’ in the way it was operating. He said that normally it would be showing more wear and tear for my 69 years. I love my magnesium.
Good luck.
Ann
Mar 23rd, 2010
Steve Schaich
I was diagnosed with A-Fib 2 years ago. Was first put on beta-blockers and metaprolol (sp) to slow my heart down. All that did was slow me down and A-Fib came once or twice a week. Changed Dr’s who put me on coumadin to keep me from having a stoke, then last fall admitted me for 3 day stay in the hospital to monitor giving me flecainide 100 mg twice a day. Still had A-Fib once or twice a week, but felt way better from being off slow down drugs. I read on this site a month that dehydration is a contributor. Bingo, I thought dizziness was from A-Fib but it turns out I was dehydrated which caused dizzy and A-Fib. I have double my water intake and have gone 19 consecutive days without A-Fib–which is the longest by > double of reoccurances. Dr says if I go another month without afib he will take me off rat poison (coumadin). Happier now than in a looooong time. Drink up folks and lemme know if it works for you.
Apr 20th, 2010
anneh
Hi I am a very healthy 70yo slim/vegetarian and walk daily. I try to do everything naturally. Due to a stupid dr overdosing my thyroid med (I have low thyroid) I went hyperthyroid and ended up in ER with A-Fib a couple months ago, cardiologist put me on beta blocker/aspirin but agreed I could wean off which I did. I thought it was over but early hours this morning to my shock it was back. After a couple of hours I went ahead and took the beta blocker and then it seemed to subside a short time later. I have an appt with the cardio next week. Its not my thyroid meds as I just got the result of most recent test and all is well. I hate to be on these drugs but I am terrified that I am going to die :( I have the Natural Calm but was taking another form of magnesium (along with hawthorne/cayenne/garlic and high potassium diet)so will go back to the NC. Thanks for any encouragement or help as I am so disappointed that it came back :( anneh
Jun 30th, 2010
Harold
My wife had to go to the emergency room the other night because of several days of A Fib. They gave her morphine to calm her and to help with shortness of breath. They also had her on oxygen. She has tried several prescription medications but they were intolerable. Is there anybody out there that can give me some good advice as to what may help? She also tried coumadin, lopressor, digoxin and so many other hit-and-run medicines, that caused her to get worse including bouts of nausea and vomiting.
We notice that her A Fib is worse, as far as the shortness of breath goes, in the late evening. Thanks for any help that you may provide. Hospital stays just make her feel worse as the doctors and nurses just put her in a room and then they go back to their computers and, most of the time, don’t even seem to know that the patients are there. Thanks again.
Jul 21st, 2010
ANN WYATT
Hello Harold.
I haven’t responded to this forum for a while because I seem to have got rid of my A-Fib. I have only had 2 episodes in the last almost a year and the only thing I have been taking which has made a significant difference is magnesium orotate. The orotate is an easier form to take because the body absorbs it more easily. It supports the heart muscle and also helps to lower blood pressure. The longer I have been taking the magnesium, the fewer episodes I have had. While I would never advise against taking medication prescribed by your doctor, I feel that the ‘cocktail’ is more of a hindrance than a help. Another thing which I found tended to trigger an episode was becoming overheated by bedclothes especially in the winter. Some of the doonas are too warm for our climate. Stress is also a big factor so Rescue Remedy helps here. It is completely natural. Chemists have it.
Good luck.
Ann
Aug 6th, 2010
Mark
Hi Thanks very much for this information it is a great comfort to hear from others. I have been getting A-Fib attacks several times a year now for 2 years. Diet water intake all these things I have been reading about are what I am ignoring so its reassuring to see how changing these things is improving thing for you all. I will pay more attention to them and see if I can improve my health. And will definitely be coming back here for advice and support.
All the best mark.
Sep 4th, 2010
jim
Hi, A bunch of thoughts: I’m 55 and I’ve suffered from AF episodes for almost 4 years.
Initially I could see no pattern to them but eventually I noticed that dehydration was a significant trigger.
I also noticed – just recently – that I had more episodes when taking lecithin. Lecithin is high in phosphorous and taking too much may deplete magnesium. I’ve had previous episodes when I’ve stopped eating bananas for a few days, which also fits with the idea of magnesium depletion being a trigger.
If I become too inactive I also seem to have more episodes.
And finally, it seems to me that there may be a significant connection between our fears and AF, which might mean that adrenaline has a causative role . . just speculating . . but when I feel more confident and relaxed – free of any fears – I have very little if any disturbance to my heart rhythm . . . .
Sep 27th, 2010
Allan
You seem more clued up in the US than here in England… but we (for the time being) have totally free health care for all which you must support Obama on! Ignore your biased press and vested interests…
Anyway, politics over – my AF seems to respond directly to my banana, chelated magnesium and fish oil consumption. Miss any of these and off it goes again. A sniff of alcohol guarantees it will happen too. Usually at night and sleeping on left side as often the case ( had to change sides with my wife as I always had my back to her, and don’t like to be rude…).
If I keep to my own rules I can go for weeks without a problem, and even then have a quick retrun to rhythm. Otherwise I can get some disturbance pretty much every day and up to 10 hours. Hope this helps
Oct 1st, 2010
Trisha
Hi. Thought maybe somebody could benefit from my experience. I lost my husband 12 years ago and had my first a-fib episode that night. I have had them on and off since then, sometimes as often as biweekly. I always felt an adrenaline surge and then it would start. I couldn’t figure out a way to divert it. In February 2009 I decided to take Lexapro, an antidepressant and antianxiety medication, which I took for 8 months. I don’t like meds and it seemed to make me lethargic, so I stopped taking it. Before that, my last episode was January 4th of 2009 and the next was June 2010, a year and a half later. I was having an argument with my daughter and was upset. I just had another one on October 15 which I could only connect to possible MSG intake from Chinese food although I was having a conversation with someone about unpleasant things. I am very upset and am debating whether or not to go back on the Lexapro, as it has to have been the reason they stopped. I do think I will wait on that though and be more careful of what I ingest.
I do think that Jim is correct about fear and stress definitely brings mine on. Also caffeine and alcohol and great physical exertion has caused 3 or 4 of my episodes. When I took the Lexapro, it was the only thing I was doing differently, so it had to be my answer. My cardiologist did not give me any credit for finding it though. Oh well…. maybe it could help some of you who have this problem because of fear and anxiety.
Oct 17th, 2010
BILL
HELLO,
INTERESTING WEBISTE..THANKS. I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL FOR 5 DAYS WITH A-FIB…THEY GAVE ME SOME PILL CALLED FLECANIDE I BELIEVE. IT DID HELP, BUT GOT DIZZY AND SICK TO MY TUMMY…I TOOK MYSELF OFF OF IT AFTER TAKING SOMETHING CALLED “CALM”, POTASSIUM, WATER AND WALKING… I ALSO AM ON A LOW CARB DIET…IT TURNS OUT THE CARBS TURN INTO SUGAR–GLUCOSE– IN THE BODY AND THE HEART RATE GOES UP SOME INORDER TO DIGEST THIS FOOD… I’VE BEEN FREE OF A-FIB FOR NEAR A MONTH…I’VE ALSO BEEN ON MANY PRAYER LISTS ABOUT A-FIB… HOPE THIS HELPS AND YES, STAY IN LOW STRESS SITUATIONS… THIS IS TOUGH SINCE I’M A PUBLIC SPEAKER AS A MISSIONARY…
TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS—–BILL
Oct 31st, 2010
Hope B
Have had AFIB off and on since high dosage of prednisone in 03. I have tried flecinide, sotilol, digoxin,multac, matoprolol. I have continued coumadin..flecinide at first helped with conversion but would cause me to have impulse control issues if I took it regularly. I have been cardio verted 10 times in past 18 months. Episodes were getting closer. I have many med allergies or sensitivities. My last episode was 11 days after prior, before that 17 days then less than a month for past 18 months. 25 DAYS AGO someone told me take 10 drops of liquid Capsicum Annum (Cayenne) in 2 oz water 4 times oper day. I have been doing that and haven’t had an episode for 25days. I don’t notice position change flutters and my heart rate doesn’t change anymore on my left side..SO VERY HAPPY
Nov 15th, 2010
Hope B
Comment on my comment. Was cardioverted Oct 22nd. Started Cayenne 1 week later. I had an episode Nov. 19 I took 10 drops Cayenne at one hr intervals and my heart converted in 3hr 45min. I can”t tell you how long it has been since that happened YEARS. 37 days since last cardioversion. I am so pleased and blessed by this. Hope
Nov 28th, 2010
Larry Lachmann
Hello. I’ve had Afib for over ten years, slowly getting more chronic over time. It is now hitting me every other week. It can last a full 24 hour period of sometimes 6 hours. I am taking Sotolol twice daily. When I upped my own dose to 3 daily it definitely made the episodes much farther aaprt, but they still come. In fact (I swear) I just converted to sinus rhythm while reading a few articles on this site!! My big question is this. Most people here seem to have health insurance, since they are talking about hospital stays, cardioverting etc.. It is pretty obvious that a radio frequency ablation procedure works in most cases. Are peoples doctors NOT recommending this as an option? I pray to be able to get this procedure some day, but I do not have health insurance so cannot afford it now. I am wondering why those of you with insurance don’t seem to be getting the procedure.. Anyone?
Thanks!
Nov 30th, 2010
Robert Ellis
Larry, there are no guarantees with any procedure and every procedure has risks.
A study by the Department of Health & Human Services’s (HHS) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) found that radiofrequency catheter ablation “has been shown to provide benefits in maintaining normal heart rhythm over short periods of time (up to 1 year) but found little evidence indicating whether the procedure reduces the chance that patients will experience atrial fibrillation over the long term.”
See also: “Success rates [for radiofrequency ablation] are good, particularly for patients with intermittent atrial fibrillation, but some patients require repeat procedures and some still need to take medications afterward. Patients with persistent atrial fibrillation have lower success rates. Some serious complications can occur with this procedure, so the risks and potential benefits must be carefully weighed.”
I view any surgery as a last resort, particularly when so many people have had success using alternative methods of controlling their afib. Surgery will not address the underlying problem, which is often some kind of deficiency. Addressing the underlying problem is more likely to provide long term benefits.
Nov 30th, 2010
Larry Lachmann
That’s interesting Robert. I’ve heard that the success rate is much better than what you are referencing. My afib seems to be getting worse as time passes, so I tend to want to try something new and radical, because the meds arent really doing the trick like they used to. I guess we’ll see. I am scheduled to see a new doctor soon. We’ll see what he says too. Thanks for the info!
Dec 1st, 2010
Robert Ellis
There may be more current information than what is referenced in the articles I link to and, of course, your situation is unique.
I wish you the best. Please give us an update.
Dec 1st, 2010
Marilyn
I have hashimotos. I began AF episodes about 5 years ago out of the blue. All of what people have said above is true. AVOID metapropal if at all possible. This seems to make it worse. I take 240 mg of Verapamil and Pristiq 50mg along with my synthroid, WATER, WALKING and relaxing is the best medicine. I had an Ablation and mine worked. About every 4 wks I have a slight episode last about 4-19 seconds! I lay on my left side in a dark room if possible or close my eyes, deep breath drink water and relax. It generally goes away. MY blood pressure is normal even during the attack. I pray the above will help someone else. OH yeah, stay on the baby ASA one a day. AVOID caffiene and alcohol at all costs. OKLAHOMA HEART is where its all about the best docs and treatment in the south!
Dec 3rd, 2010
Karl
Thanks for this. I have had this off and on over the years since my twenties, but now at 52 it has suddenly gotten continuous/chronic. no rapid beats, nothing like that, just irregular beats.
Jan 1st, 2011
Kayla
TRUUS
I had afib for about 3 months until I saw a very good electrophysiologist who immediately put me on flecainide, generic for Tambacor. I continued on metoprolol as well. Almost right away, I noticed my heartbeat seemed back to normal. They checked me again right before I was due to have cardioversion and confirmed the medication had corrected the afib. I would love to get off these two meds and use diet and supplements but not sure how. You might ask your doctor about flecainide. None of my doctors or the cardiologists they consulted with during that first 3 months knew to try flecainide so not all cardiologists are that knowledgeable. One doctor, later told me that they don’t like to put older people on flecainide because it can cause hallucinations. I assume they mean the visual double image kind of thing that I sometimes see late at night when I am really tired. I ignore that and rarely see any of it anymore. I was taking gingko biloba and also high doses of bromelain before the afib and read both can cause palpitations, but doubt that was cause, but could have been.
Mar 31st, 2011
Kayla
My AF started when I was 54 and I was running up my back steps, all excited the work week was over and I was going to be off weekends for the first time in years! Ended up in the hospital for a week instead. Besides flecainide, metoprolol, I also take magnesium, 3 or 4 250mg tabs before bed. I take it for regularity, which it works better than anything else for! But, also like the added calmness in mood and better sleep. Calcium needs magnesium to help with absorption or something, too. Also take some B6 which is somehow tied to magnesium. If anyone ever has constipation problems, just take about 4 to 6 magnesium tablets before bed and you will be fine in the morning. Great stuff.
Mar 31st, 2011
Adolfo
I am a healthy 52 year old male and found out that I had afib during a routine medical examination. My doctor told me I had lone atrial fibrilation. This freaked me out and my stress level went through the roof. I suffer from anxiety and I believe this may have been the cause of my afib. My salvation has been YOGA!!! I was two days away from being cardioverted when I took a yoga class just before my pre-procedure appointment. The doctor came back with a smile on his face and showed me that I was back in normal sinus rithem. I since have had stressful anxious days that make me go into afib but my Yoga class brings me back to nornmal. I recommend Yoga for AFIB sufferers. I also stopped drinking coffee, ( i don’t drink alcohol), and eat a banana a day with my oatmeal. I also drink the magnesium calm powder which has a calming effect. Try Yoga and let me know if it works for you. I hope this helps.
Apr 3rd, 2011
Martha
Do NOT take any supplement unless prescribed by your doctor, but ESPECIALLY NOT POTASSIUM!!! Patients with Afib often have spiking potassium levels (anything over 5.1) and adding more could push you over the edge.
Apr 13th, 2011
Richard Seedman, DVM
please check out taurine @ 20gms/day (sic) along with magnesium @ 1000mg/d and arginine @ 6gm/d…all in divided doses. Elimination of Cardiac arrhythmias using oral taurine with L-arginine. here’s the study: [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16797868]
Their peer review study reported, get ready, 100% success!!!!
other supplements: fish oil 4gm/d, hawthorn, CoQ10 as ubiquinol, potassium gluconate, ribose @ 5gm/d, Vit D 10,000-15,000IU/day, VIt K 10mg/d [from Lef.org], resveratrol, PQQ [viz Lef.org] and Pomegranate Complete [Lef.org]
Carnitine enables the heart muscle to utilize fat for energy, thereby avoiding reliance on glucose stabilization.[viz LEF.org article on arrhythmias]
Limit Calcium to under 1000mg/d. Taurine is a calcium channel modulator.
anxiety can be reduced by L-theanine [Lef.org]
a very nice product is NOW FOOD’s Night Time Herbs [NOWFOODS.com].
avoid all stimulants of course.
if anyone has other suggestions, i would appreciate them. i have controlled my A-fib fairly well, not perfectly. i still have episodes of pounding, rapid beats which continue mainly at night over several nights, and then disappear. However, i am fighting a long term infection [prostate], and both the infection and antibiotics may be causing problems.
best wishes to you all…and don’t rely on any one MD!!
please use my email to communicate, as i can’t check here often. [ [email protected] ] or call me at home 707-833-4533.
May 28th, 2011
Fred Ross
I am a 75 year old male. I have had A/F for over two years. Episodes went up to about every one to two weeks and lasted six to 12 hours. Dehydration has been a major contributing factor so alcohol and caffienes are ruled out as an option. I have also found juices and other drinks are filled with chemicals that can add to inreased A/F. I drink only clean well water and have found the recommended six to eight glasses a day extremely important. Heavy physical activity often requires even more.
Doctors wanted to put me on Coumadin and I just flatly refused. I view Coumadin as more dangerious than stroke threat. The M.D. then put me on Metroprolol and it caused severe depression – actuall suicidal thoughts. I just no longer take pharmeucuticals of any kind. I just see no logic in putting synthetic chemicals in my body.
I now take serrapeptase and nattokinese daily which does pretty much the same thing as Coumadin but has virtually no side effects. I take a magnesium and potassium supplement along with Taurine and L-Carnitine and Cayanne.
Since the A/F started I have taken up a exercise program. It consist of two hours a week of Yoga, two hours of cardio and two hours of Tia Chi. I no longer have stress issues. I also walk three miles very briskly three times a week. While A/F is unpleasant I view it a just a natural part of life that I must deal with. I’m not about to let it ruin my quality of life.
The only A/F I have had in the past six months has been after eating restuarant food, thus diet is very important.
Sep 11th, 2011
Don berg
After reading so.many reviews, I noticed no one mentioned Pradaxa . It is fairly new and is a blood thinner that does not require periodic blood checks. So convenient and other works!!!
Sep 28th, 2011
Susan
I am 45 years old, and I was diagnosed with afib almost 2 years ago after coming home from a 2 week trip to Cuba. I was on all kinds of medications which I thought were making my afib worse. I went off of everything and 8 months ago I had a stroke. I am in the lucky 10% of people with strokes that completely recover with small damage to my left eye. It took months to be able to speak properly or write a check.
I am still fighting with Afib and I am going back to my doctor to determine if there is any cause. I feel doctors want to spend so much time trying to medicate rather than determing the root cause. I am currently on metoprolol and warfarin and live with the fear of having another stroke. My husband is also traumatized by this. To the person who said that taking warfarin is worse than having a stroke should seriously consider the fact that having a stroke that you do not recover fully from or possibly die is a lot worse.
I am going to continue to follow some of this advice and get all of levels checked again with the doctor. I have had long conversations with my Dr. about pradaxa and his thought was if I am doing well why change it. There is also the small chance I will bleed with these drugs but if so they know to give me vitakin K with warfarin, but what do they do with Pradaxa?
Oct 6th, 2011
Joan
Anyone taking Multaq for atrial fib? Heard some Doctors are taking their patients off of it because of FDA warnings. I have been on it for two months but thinking of going off of it because of the negatives I have been reading about.
Oct 7th, 2011
John
I am a 54 yr. old otherwise healthy male and was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) 27 yrs. ago. I am on medication and had been asymptomatic until January, 2011. While I have had some episodes of AF during my life, I was always able to regain a normal rhythm on my own. I was diagnosed with continuous AF in January and have had four cardioversions since. I was placed on Multaq and Pradaxa. The Pradaxa is effective, but the Multaq has not helped. I am seen at JH Hospital for the HCM and after an upcoming catheterization, an ablation is planned depending on the results of the cath. My local cardiologist wants to put me on Amiodarone for the short term until the ablation. I have read about the very negative side effects of Amiodarone. I am going to contact my cardiologist at JH to get his opinion on Amiodarone and magnesium. Has anyone else had experiences with Amiodarone?
Oct 8th, 2011
Joan
Just off Multaq about a week. Electro Physiologist would like me to consider Tikosyn as a med. Has anyone had any experience with this drug? I understand you have to go into the hospital for three days to be monitored when beginning this drug.
Oct 13th, 2011
Harry
I was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation 5 years ago. Although my cardiologist is taking good care of me, he can’t seem to control my sudden attacks which takes my breath away and scares me to death. He just says relax and it will pass. That maybe OK for him to say but what about us? He ought to try AFIB himself for awhile. I love this site and have learned a great deal about how to handle AFIB when it starts. I feel like a little cry baby I’m 68 and don’t want to live the rest of my life in this misery. Anybody out there want to share their “out of breath” experience so I don’t feel so all alone? What can I do to get back into good rythum? I’ve tried everything I read here.
Nov 6th, 2011
wendy
Hi Harry,
I am 54 and was just diagnosed with AFIB 3 weeks ago…. it is a scary thing… I had to go to the ER and given meds to control my hearttbeat,,,, i m now on Toprol, Pradaxa and Lisinopril…. All of my labs and chest x ray were ok.. now i need to have and echo stress test in 2 weeks….. i have had anxiety and panic attacks for over 20 years,,, the shortness of breath is really scary,,,, i hate it… Any suggestions would be very appreciated!
Nov 7th, 2011
DonnaH
I experienced A-Fib on Dec. 5th, 2011. What a frightening feeling! Have been in ER three times since. I have been learning to use Qi Gong for relaxing, however it isn’t the easiest thing to do when experiencing this.
I was put on Metoprolol and will try everything in my power to get something that is nature and not a drug! It appears that Dr. Seedman has some excellent information above and I feel very it would be very worthwhile to check it out!
I have had some bouts of indigestion (and dont feel well until I can release that full feeling) tried bromelain, but I think it makes it worse! Any suggestions for this? Shortness of breath is not one that I experience but I think one of the best things to do is try yoga or Qi Gong, it helps you to take deep breaths….
I have had anxiety most of my adult life and this is not helping. I appreciate all the sharing and information that is given here.
Dec 28th, 2011
Lyle Gentry
I’m 48 and about 10 months ago I spent a night in the hospital with AFIB–it took me around 5 hours to convert back to normal sinus rythym. My cardiologist originally put me on metropolol but it gave me diahrea and made me depressed. He then switched me to a calcium channel blocker (Cardizem) which I seemed to tolerate better. The main side-effects were lethargy and constipation.
I haven’t been in AFIB since then that I know of and I think I would know because when I was in AFIB I was not able to function (I don’t know how people do it). For one thing, I had to urinate every 10 minutes. I’ve recently stopped taking the Cardizem because I just couldn’t take feeling like a zombie anymore. I’m taking fish oil capsules along with a low-dose asprin every day and now I’m taking a magnesium supplement. If this doesn’t work I guess I’ll have to look into cardio-ablation because I don’t think I can stand being on the drugs anymore. Please keep your fingers crossed for me.
Dec 29th, 2011
DonnaH
Lyle, do you know what brought your A-Fib on? I think I have figured out what I did….I got dehydrated and I believe that was the trigger for it. I was using my chi machine, hot house and FIR pad every night for relaxation..the only thing that was wrong was I did NOT drink water before and after the treatment.
I hope you consulted with your Dr. regarding stopping the Cardizem. I went to my acupuncturist yesterday and he looked at my lab report and saw that I was anemic and something else was off…the Dr. did not pick this up…sometimes we have to do what we feel is the right thing and ask more questions and listen to our body.
Have only taken the Metoprolol for about six days and I was really tired today, hate that feeling so now have to figure out what to do next.
Good luck and God bless you.
Dec 29th, 2011
Anne Bauman
Thanks for this excellent site, Robert; I’ve learned a lot from your experience and those of your readers. Just yesterday I came across some information about cayenne pepper and its use as an emergency treatment for congestive heart failure. Apparently it’s also used to stop AF quickly, and I couldn’t find a reference to it on your site, so thought you might like to hear. I’ve started to supplement daily with cayenne and am weaning myself off low-dose aspirin; also looking into hawthorn, which sounds like a wonderful alternative to pharmaceutical drugs.
I used your information about entrainment just recently, when my heart was beating very fast but hadn’t gone into full AF. I splashed cold water on my face and went back to bed, held onto my husband’s wrist where I could feel his regular pulse and held it against my chest for awhile. This did the trick – I still have lots to learn and your site has been so helpful. Thanks for doing this in the midst of your own busy life.
Jan 6th, 2012
Judi Neto
Hello, I’m not sure have any recomendations, since everyone is unique.
All I can do is share my experience. I’m sure there is someone who can relate. I have more questions then answers.
I am currently a 69 year old lady. I’m not like any 69 yr old you have ever met. I don’t look act or feel 69. More like 45 or 50. It’s just genetics I guess or attitude. But the A Fib reminds me of my real age and I hate it. My first episode I was on a cruise ship 2008. Prior to getting to the cruise I had to jet off to N Carolina to arrange a funeral for my aunt, get rid of all her belongings and find a home for her dog in one week in order to not forfeit the $10K for the cruise. That may sound shallow, but that is a lot of money and I needed the vacation. I adored my aunt. The stress was too much and I was in the infirmary the first day if the cruise. When I got home another relative had died. We were very close. That was 2008
The next time was from caffeine, I’m sure of it. You ask for decalf but you don”t always get it. I had to give up Starbucks and coffee all together because you cant trust you will get decalf. Then I gave up chocolate, another trigger. Just shoot me! So at that point I am only on BP meds and a anti anxiety med when needed (Klonopin) No episodes until late 2009 . I left my husband of 28 years. The first year 2010, I went to Pharmacy school and the divorce and “finals” for class had me in ICU for 2 hours in January 2011. That was the worst. They started me on Flecinide. I am terrified of drugs especially new drugs. To this day I am only on 50 mg once a day along with only 50 mg of Atenolol .
I just moved 16 days ago to be closer to the kids. I lived upstairs then and I do now. The trips up and down the stairs in both places carrying boxes did me in. I had A Fib every other day AFTER the move, I have learned to deal with it so I dont go to emergancy unless my BP and heart rate are high. Like 150/110 heart rate over 100. I just stop what ever I am doing and take half Klonopin (0.5mg) which makes me sleep.
I tried to get a Long Term Care Policy and did not want every episode reported. They turned me down anyway. So now I am taking it easy but still having episodes once a week since the move. I’m still not unpacked because I don’t know how much my body can take. Tomorrow I have a flight to LA to see my BFF and I am worried. Last night I had a 3 hr episode. Last week anywhere from 4 hrs to 24 hrs. I’m watching the dehydration. I don’t know how much magnesium to take, and taking potassium can be dangerous, so I get it from foods, I eat very healthy. If I am tired now I take a nap. When I did my inturn ship for Pharmacy I was on my feet 7 hours a day and the stress of learning a new skill put me in the hospital too. So what to do, can I exercise? I used to do water aerobics 3 times a week, but that came with the house I left. So I try to walk to get my heart happy again. I am on weight watchers and have met my goal. I am 5’4 145 lbs, so its not my weight problem.
But it seems like since “the move” I’m never going to get better. In other words go back to only once a year episodes. Oh and someone mentioned abilation (Harry?) My cardiologist said that is reserved for patients who do not tolerate the top 5 medications. That is BS. I have 100 % insurance why can”t I have a proceedure that actually works? The success rates are way up there now. I don’t get it.
FRUSTRATED IN CALIFORNIA
Jan 17th, 2012
Judi Neto
My original post is being moderated but I forgot to mention: I cant sleep on my left side! I will usually go in to A Fib if I do. But you cant know what you will do when you are sleeping.!! Sleeping elevated helps too.
Jan 17th, 2012
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