Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group
Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) which involves the two small, upper heart chambers (the atria). Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spread through the heart and cause contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood.
Hi folks,
Thanks for the info and encouragement I've already received here. I'm newly diagnosed and trying to figure things out.
Paroxysmal A-fib was diagnosed after an ER episode and a 30-day monitor. I also have PAC's, PVC's, and bradycardia. The EP prescribed diltiazem to control the rate. (I can't take beta blockers b/c they give me hives.) And he said I could take baby aspirin, which he admitted may or may not reduce my risk of stroke. Unless my echo shows a problem, my CHADS score is 1, so low risk of stroke. I'm thankful for that!
The EP did say that with my symptoms about 50% of EP's would go straight to ablation, but that he takes a more conservative approach. So the plan is rate control then if necessary move on to a rhythm control drug, then if necessary move on to ablation.
I saw a naturopath who told me about the Milner Acetylcholine Protocol (MAP) for management of Cardiac Dysrhythmias.
http://www.townsendletter.com/FebMarch2013/milner0213.html
Depending on whether or not one is willing to try a more naturopathic approach, this might be an option to try. I'm just wondering if anyone has heard of it or tried it.
Thanks.
twodrifters
Thanks for the info and encouragement I've already received here. I'm newly diagnosed and trying to figure things out.
Paroxysmal A-fib was diagnosed after an ER episode and a 30-day monitor. I also have PAC's, PVC's, and bradycardia. The EP prescribed diltiazem to control the rate. (I can't take beta blockers b/c they give me hives.) And he said I could take baby aspirin, which he admitted may or may not reduce my risk of stroke. Unless my echo shows a problem, my CHADS score is 1, so low risk of stroke. I'm thankful for that!
The EP did say that with my symptoms about 50% of EP's would go straight to ablation, but that he takes a more conservative approach. So the plan is rate control then if necessary move on to a rhythm control drug, then if necessary move on to ablation.
I saw a naturopath who told me about the Milner Acetylcholine Protocol (MAP) for management of Cardiac Dysrhythmias.
http://www.townsendletter.com/FebMarch2013/milner0213.html
Depending on whether or not one is willing to try a more naturopathic approach, this might be an option to try. I'm just wondering if anyone has heard of it or tried it.
Thanks.
twodrifters
However, I'm skeptical about some of the things the article says could trigger an arrhythmia and prevent them.
I think there are other things going on during atrial fibrillation that don't necessarily involve the SA node or involve speeding it up. In other words, I think atrial fibrillation could start without the SA node being triggered to increase the heart rate. Atrial fibrillation is when the depolarization waves propagate in multiple circles (spiral waves) in the atria rather than flowing evenly from the SA node throughout the atria and to the AV node and conducting down to the ventricles.
Full disclosure: I'm not an MD, I've just read a lot of research in searching for causes of my own AF episodes. And I've taken anatomy & physiology and I'm in an allied health care school program.
Thanks for sharing.
The point that stands out the most is the relationship of inflammation and homocysteine levels to afib, something which was instrumental in controlling my AF and PVCs. Interestly enough it was high doses of Vit C that I attribute much success to. I did notice also that Dr Pauling is referenced, one of the pioneers of natural cancer cures who challenged the ridiculously low doses of C and B vitamins by the federal RDA guidelines.
Buddy makes a good point. "other things going on during atrial fibrillation that don't necessarily involve the SA node or involve speeding it up", which I can whole heartily agree with. Most of my episodes occurred with a HR of 60-85. I had a slow but irregular HR.
Keep in mind however that this and even my regimen of supplements to control afib, does not get to the root cause, something I am ever seeking , where is this inflammation coming from? I suspect several things and have eliminated all but one, possibly the main culprit, a root canal on the "heart" tooth.