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.

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Hwkmn 10/21/2015

One way for increasing circulation and lowering BP are anti inflammatory foods and herbs. A recent study from UCLA Med ctr showed a correlation between brain and arteries stiffening, vascular compliance. Hawthorne berry could be the best herb for increasing healthy circulation and a key to preventing stroke and alzheimer's. http://easyhealthoptions.com/circulation-secret-stops-stroke-alzheimers/

linsa 10/21/2015

Absolutely agree with that Hwkmn. Very good article. Sandra

twodrifters 11/01/2015

Interesting. Thanks for posting.

acrossthepond 11/01/2015

I agree, you can heal (and harm) your body with food. Unfortunately, not all of us are medication-free and depending on which stuff you are taking certain herbs and foods can change how the medications work. Be aware.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/herbal-supplements/art-20046488?pg=2

For example, the potential effects of Hawthorn while using:
Beta blockers:INCREASES blood pressure and heart rate.
Calcium channel blockers and Nitrates: decreases blood pressure.
Digoxin: INCREASES the effects of digoxin.

Carpe diem,
atp (across the pond)

nymima 11/01/2015

I'm so happy you posted the link to the Mayo Clinic study on herbs and heart meds. I was going to ask my mother's cardiologist about Hawthorne for her, but she is on a beta blocker and this would not be a good idea. Mom always pushes for these things because she watches too much tv and catches all the doctor shows. It's difficult to keep telling her that we can't mess with herbal remedies in the hopes it will cure her chronic afib. So this lets me know I should continue to stick to my guns and no get weak and give in to what she hears on the radio or tv. I'm not even sure doctors know all the hazards of herbal remedies anyway.

Hwkmn 11/02/2015

atp and ny, Absolutely true, as some herbs like digitalis and hawthorne effect our systems the same way meds do. Certain foods can also. That doesnt mean we should avoid something as vital as good nutrition. As always, I advise everyone to be tested and under the guidance of a professional when taking anything including herbs. I will say however that when I was on meds,and some pretty strong ones, I filled in with Haw and several other supps, with no side effects and excellent results.

Side note to NY, your Mom got this from watching TV? I have yet to see any herbs advertised and to the degree of Drugs ad nauseum.

nymima 11/02/2015

Hwkmn - Mom watches Dr. Oz and all the medical news on Fox and CNN. They must have mentioned this supplement and it caught her attention. She told me about it several weeks ago. She also listens to talk radio where the doctors discuss various medical conditions. Mom also has macular degeneration and there are different supplements for this condition too that are supposed to benefit and keep the condition from progressing. She would pay mucho bucks for some of this stuff if she could. It is difficult to keep reminding her that not everything is "natural" and it may interfere with her prescription medication.

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