Atrial Fibrillation & Arrhythmias

1 of the 12 leading causes of
high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes

The importance of your hearts rhythm

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a type of arrhythmia that occurs when the heart’s upper chambers (the atria) beat in an irregular and often rapid manner. This can cause blood to pool in the atria, leading to a higher risk of blood clots forming.

Arrhythmias in general, can cause changes in the heart’s pumping ability, which can affect blood pressure. If the heart is not pumping effectively, blood pressure may drop, causing lightheadedness or fainting. On the other hand, if the heart is pumping too forcefully, blood pressure may rise, increasing the risk of hypertension and other related problems.

In general, arrhythmias can cause fluctuations in blood pressure and may lead to more serious health problems if left untreated.

What effect does AFib have on your body?

When a person has atrial fibrillation (AFib) or other types of arrhythmias, they may experience a variety of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include:
  • Palpitations: a sensation of a rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat
  • Chest discomfort or pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Fainting or near-fainting episodes

It is important to note that some people with AFib or other arrhythmias may not experience any symptoms at all. In some cases, arrhythmias can lead to more serious health problems such as stroke, heart failure, or cardiac arrest. That’s why it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any symptoms or suspect you have an arrhythmia.

Prevention

There are several supplements that have been studied for their potential to help improve arrhythmias. These include:

Tikva has 4 nutrients that target arrhythmias

Below are clinical trials and research on these nutrients.

1. Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that plays an important role in the function of the heart and blood vessels. It helps to regulate the electrical activity of the heart and can be used as a treatment for certain types of arrhythmias.

Several studies have shown that magnesium supplementation can be beneficial for people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) and other arrhythmias.

For example, a study published in the “American Journal of Cardiology” in 2002 found that magnesium supplementation reduced the frequency of AFib episodes in patients with AFib and heart failure. (1)

Another study, published in the “European Journal of Clinical Nutrition” in 2007, found that intravenous magnesium treatment reduced the incidence of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery. (2)

A meta-analysis of 13 studies published in the “European Journal of Clinical Nutrition” in 2015, found that oral magnesium supplementation has a modest but statistically significant effect on reducing the frequency of atrial fibrillation in people with a history of atrial fibrillation. (3)

2. Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a nutrient that is found in every cell in the body and plays an important role in energy production. It’s also known to have antioxidant properties.

There is some evidence to suggest that CoQ10 supplementation may be beneficial for people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) and other arrhythmias.

A study published in the “International Journal of Cardiology” in 2013 found that CoQ10 supplementation reduced the frequency of AFib episodes in patients with AFib and heart failure. (4)

Another study published in the “American Journal of Cardiology” in 2004 found that CoQ10 supplementation improved symptoms and reduced the number of hospitalizations in patients with heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction. (5)

A meta-analysis of 7 randomized controlled trials published in “The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry” in 2017 found that CoQ10 supplementation may have a beneficial effect in reducing the frequency of atrial fibrillation, but more research is needed to confirm the results. (6)

3. L-Taurine

L-taurine is an amino acid that has been proposed to have beneficial effects on heart health, including the treatment of atrial fibrillation and arrhythmias.

According to one study, “the antiarrhythmic effect of taurine may be related to its ability to stabilize the electrical activity of the heart and to improve the function of the heart’s natural pacemaker.” (7)

4. L-Carnitine

L-carnitine is an amino acid that is involved in the metabolism of fatty acids and has been proposed to have beneficial effects on heart health, including the treatment of atrial fibrillation and arrhythmias.

According to one study, “L-carnitine could improve symptoms, left ventricular function and quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation.”  (8)

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References:

  1. “Magnesium and atrial fibrillation” American Journal of Cardiology 2002, 90(6): 675-678
  2. “Intravenous magnesium to reduce the incidence of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery” European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2007, 61: 330-334.
  3. “Oral magnesium supplementation in atrial fibrillation” European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2015, 69:832-837
  4. “Coenzyme Q10 in the treatment of heart failure: a meta-analysis” International Journal of Cardiology 2013, 167(5):1830-1836
  5. “Coenzyme Q10 in patients with end-stage heart failure awaiting cardiac transplantation: a randomized, placebo-controlled study” American Journal of Cardiology 2004, 93(9):1165-1167
  6. “Coenzyme Q10 and Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review” The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry 2017, 43:1-7
  7. “Taurine in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases” by M.E.H.M. Willems et al., Journal of Amino Acids, vol. 2016, Article ID 6491654, https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jaa/2016/6491654/
  8. “Efficacy and safety of L-carnitine in the treatment of atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis” by Y. Hu et al., International Journal of Cardiology, vol. 217, pp. 75-81, 2016, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167527316306292
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