Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are abnormal rhythms of the heart. They may be as fleeting as a single missed beat, or they may be more serious, causing the heart to beat irregularly or unusually fast or slowly for extended periods.

For many people with arrhythmias, the cause is unclear. However, some cases can be traced to a heart condition, such as coronary artery disease, a heart valve defect, or in rare cases, an infection of the heart. Thyroid or kidney disease, certain drugs, and imbalances of magnesium or potassium in the body can contribute to arrhythmias. Abnormal rhythms may also be induced by a high intake of caffeine or alcohol, heavy smoking, and stress.

Supplements and herbs

It's important to remember that some arrhythmias can be serious. The supplements listed below are meant to complement-not to replace standard treatments. Never discontinue a heart drug without consulting your doctor first. All the supplements can be used together, but your doctor should determine which ones you should take and in what order. They may work within a week, but often need to be used long term.

Magnesium supplements often benefit people with heart-rhythm disorders, many of whom are deficient in this mineral. Magnesium is vital for coordinating the activity of nerves (including those that initiate heartbeats) and muscles (including the heart). Also valuable is hawthorn, an herb that has been used as a heart tonic for centuries: It increases blood flow to the heart, making it beat more strongly and restoring rhythm. Coenzyme Q10 also helps steady heart rhythm and may be particularly useful for people who have previously suffered a heart attack or have another form of heart disease. In addition, fish oils are being extensively studied for treating heart ailments; early results strongly suggest that they are effective at relieving arrhythmias.

Other supplements may stabilize heart rhythm as well. Some recommend the herb cactus grandiflorus; it is often used with hawthorn. The trace mineral manganese, which promotes healthy nerves, and the amino acids taurine and carnitine increase oxygen supply to the heart. Taken as a tea, pill, or tincture (30 drops three times a day), the herb astragalus has been found to contain various substances that stabilize heart rhythm. Doctors also occasionally prescribe potassium supplements to prevent arrhythmias, though for most people, eating fresh fruits and vegetables is a better way to get adequate supplies of this mineral.

What else you can do

• Reduce or eliminate caffeine and alcohol.
• If you smoke, quit. No supplement can compensate for the long-term cardiac damage caused by smoking.
• Exercise regularly. Aerobic exercise strengthens the heart.
• Reduce stress. Relaxation techniques such as biofeedback may help.

How much to take

Magnesium

400 mg twice a day.
Do not take if you have kidney disease.

Hawthorn

100-150 mg 3 times a day.
Standardized to contain at least 1.8% vitexin.

Coenzyme Q 10

50 mg twice a day.
For best absorption, take with food.

Fish oils

1,000 mg 3 times a day.
Take only if you don't eat fish at least twice a week.

Cactus grandiflorus

25 drops tincture 3 times a day.
Known as night-blooming cereus; may cause diarrhea.

Manganese

20 mg every morning.
Often included in multivitamin and mineral formulas.

Amino acids

1,500 mg L-taurine twice a day; 500 mg L-carnitine 3 times a day.
For long-term use, try a mixed amino acid complex.

Astragalus

400 mg twice a day or 3 cups of tea a day.
Supplying 0.5% glucosides and 70% polysaccharides.

Back To Top