Natural Cures Guide

The heart is an amazing organ. It is designed to beat within a basic rhythm, which ensures that it accomplishes its task of moving blood through the body with maximum efficiency.
But when something disturbs that normal rhythm, an arrhythmia occurs. A number of things could cause this irregular beating: a failure of electrical impulses within the heart; scarring from previous heart attacks; a drug reaction; a disruption in body chemicals such as calcium, magnesium, or potassium; or a malfunction of the thyroid gland.
Many people experience “skipped heartbeats,” or what feel like heartbeat fluttering, when they become sleep-deprived, experience periods of emotional stress, or overexert themselves physically. In these cases, rest and relaxation can help restore normal rhythm.
Arrhythmias might make you feel anxious, but most are not life-threatening. Whether or not an arrhythmia is serious depends on what is causing it. If structural deformities or heart disease is present, the arrhythmias are symptoms of a greater problem.
If you experience arrhythmias, see your doctor to rule out structural abnormalities or the presence of disease. One non-drug option for people with arrhythmias may be a outpatient surgical procedure to destroy certain muscle fibers responsible for the disturbed beat. In the case of life-threatening arrhythmias, doctors may recommend the implantation of a pacemaker.

Herbal Remedies

Kava-Kava (Piper methysticum)

This South Pacific root can ease the anxiety that is a major cause of cardiac arrhythmias. And while kava-kava does produce relaxation, it doesn’t have the side effects that pharmaceutical sedatives often do. Typical dosage: up to six 400-or 500-milligram capsules per day (look for supplements with 55 percent kavalactones); or 15 to 30 drops of tincture up to three times per day. Caution: Do not take when pregnant, nursing, depressed, or operating machinery or vehicles.

Valerian (Valweiana officinalis)

Many people with arrhythmias suffer also from insomnia, due either to their anxiety about the disorder or other worries. Valerian is another sage but potent herb for anxiety associated with arrhythmias. Precisely because it’s so potent, it’s the one to choose as a sleep aid. Typical dosage: 50 to 100 milligrams of standardized extract containing 0.8 percent valeric acid two or three times per day; or 20 to 60 drops of tincture per day. Caution: Continued use of valerian can cause headaches, which can be avoided by taking a break of two or three days every two weeks.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Time-honored, gently relaxing chamomile is often consumed in pill or tea form to soothe anxiety. Typical dosage: 50 to 75 milligrams of product standardized to one percent apigenin content two or three times per day; or 10 to 40 drops of tincture three times per day; or 3 or 4 cups of tea per day (steep 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried flowers in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes).

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)

A superior cardiovascular herb, hawthorn helps lower blood pressure and strengthens the heart muscle. In clinical trials, it has proven its ability to treat heart failure and minor arrhythmias. Typical dosage: up to 750 milligrams per day of extract standardized to 1.8 percent vitexin-2′rhamnoside or 10 percent procyanidins; or up to nine nonstandardized 500- or 600- milligram capsules per day; or 10 to 30 drops of tincture up to three times per day; or 3 cups of tea per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried berries in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes). Caution: Hawthorn increases the effects of some heart medications; if you are taking any, consult your doctor before adding hawthorn to your regimen.

Reishis ( Ganoderma lucidum)

This medicinal mushroom has long been used in China as a general heart tonic, as well as for a host of other conditions. If your arrhythmias are caused by stress, reishis is a good choice to add to your routine because it acts on the many body systems that can be affected by stress. Typical dosage: up to five 420-milligram capsules per day; or up to three 1,000-milligram tablets up to three times per day.

Therapy at the Table

You’ve heard it before and you’ll likely hear it again: Diet is a crucial factor in any aliment involving the heart. Cardiac arrhythmia has been linked to food allergies. By all means, consult an allergist, but because these sensitivities are subtle and often elude conventional allergy tests, you may need to work with an experienced practitioner–a clinical nutritionist or naturopathic doctor–to identify them. Meanwhile, here are some foods you can emphasize and some you can cut back on or eliminate.

THE “DO” LIST THE “DON’T” LIST
Chicken Alcohol
Cold-water fish Caffeine
Fresh fruits Fried foods
Garlic Herbal stimulants such as
Olive oil ephedra and guarana
Onions High-fat dairy products
Raw almonds Margarine
Raw vegetables Peanuts
Turkey Red meat
Water–6 to 8 glasses per day Soft drinks
Sugar

Supplements to Help Keep the Beat

The following nutrients may help ease arrhythmias:
* Calcium chelate plus magnesium. Calcium is essential for maintaining a regular heartbeat and it
helps all the body’s muscles repair after exercise. Magnesium should always accompany calcium for
maximum effectiveness of both minerals. Low levels of these two nutrients can occur in people with
arrhythmias. Typical dosage: 5oo to 1,500 milligrams of calcium combined with 400 to 800 milligrams
of magnesium per day.
* Coenzyme Q10. This nutrient is an overall heart tonic. Typical dosage: up to 400 milligrams per day.
* L-carnitine. This nutrient reduces levels of triglycerides, a type of blood fat, while boosting the
delivery of oxygen to the heart muscle during times of stress. Typical dosage: 1,000 milligrams per
day in divided doses.
* Selenium. This nutrient acts as a powerful antioxidant in heart tissue, especially when paired with
vitamin E (see below). Typical dosage: 2oo micrograms per day.
* Vitamin E. This partner of selenium helps prevent heart tissue damage and naturally thins the blood.
Typical dosage: 200 to 800 IU per day.
* Potassium. This mineral helps ensure proper ratios of body chemicals called electrolytes, which are
often deficient in people experiencing arrhythmia. Typical dosage: aim for about 3,500 milligrams of
potassium per day. Caution: Have your blood level for this mineral checked by a doctor before deciding
on your dosage, because too much potassium is dangerous. A wide range of conditions and medications
must bot be combined with potassium supplements.
* Fish oil. Combine this easily obtainable supplement with vitamin E (or increase your consumption of
cold-water fish) and you’ve got a potent heart tonic. Typical dosage: 100 to 400 milligrams per day.

All Stressed up and Nowhere to Vent

During times of stress, your adrenaline starts pumping and directly affects your heartbeat. Relaxation therapies such as medication, biofeedback, massage, and gentle exercises can help control conditions such as arrhythmia. Your health professional can refer you to relaxation classes given at your local hospital. Community recreation centers are also a good place to seek such classes.