After I started taking magnesium glycinate (200mg 2X), potassium (700mg via low sodium V8) and taurine (1000mg) my heart pounding, ear pulsing palpitations stopped, although I still get occasional mild ones. Shortly afterward I began drinking more water every day and started using a CPAP machine for my sleep apnea. Since then the number of my AF episodes have been greatly reduced. I can't really sort out what did what but as a package of things it seems to be working for me - so far.
Mitch

The difficulty from what I understand is getting an accurate reading at the cellular level. Most other ways of measuring are not all that accurate. I started taking magnesium and increased the dosage over time, as I noticed an improvement. It seemed to work for me. I hardly ever notice those PVC's anymore.

mmrzz in my opinion figuring out the right combination of things does make a huge difference.

I also drink a lot of low sodium V8. I also take 500mg of Magnesium every night about an hour before I go to bed. It also made a big difference in my sleep. I sleep much better. I was told it activates our melatonin. From what I understand it is important for to achieve the right balance between magnesium, potassium, sodium and calcium. This will be different for everyone because of several different influences like medications, diet, water intake and exercise. I would talk to my doctor or better yet a cardiologist with a specialty in minerals and nutrition.

I take Magnesium every night before I go to bed.....400mg I also take 1000mg Taurine twice a day and the same Potassium in the V8 and I too have had a wonderful reduction in symptoms esp the ear pulsing palps and heart pounding .....I drink tons of water and lost 30# and thats my story and Im stickin to it :)

I take magnesium twice a day. I think it helps decrease my palpitations but not really sure. I do know it stopped the leg cramps I used to have so I feel it is something my body needs.
I stopped calcium supplements because it is supposedly excitatory to the heart. I try to get potassium and calcium from my diet.

I take 800 mg's of chelated mag over the course of a day. when I start
to feel fluttering I take extra potassium and mag. Usually within an
hour my heart has stopped it's flopping. I only had one event last year.
And so far this year one event caused the day I had radiation for my
stress test. It lasted about 20 hours and I self converted.

I think it is up to the person to see what helps them. Some people
have written that they cannot tolerate potassium or mag.

This is so helpful, than you. I'm going to try the magnesium. I also drink v8 a lot, but will make it a point of drinking it daily. I drink the regular, I don't like the low odium... But I guess I better learn to like the low sodium!

I take about 1/2 gram Mg-Oxide powder every morning. If I forget it, my heart beat is "sharper". I began taking it for tachycardia about 10 years ago, when my episodes lasted only an hour or so, and I thought maybe the Mg helped stop the heart racing. But if it helped at all, it quit working after a few years. I take it now for a "smoother" heart beat, and because
some "experts" think most of us need more Mg.
bill
Fear is a choice.

An interesting article. I have not followed up.

http://discovermagazine.com/1998/jun/vitalsignshearts1452#.Uay-FJy1tEM

bill

I've been taking 250mg - 400mg 1X daily for about a year plus now. Nature Made is the brand name. I really think it helps. I also take 550mg of Potassium on a daily basis as well. From my experience these are two deficiencies that need to be addressed for those with AF. Of course if you can eat alot of foods that are high in these two minerals/vitamins - that's even better!! :)

My last bloodwork showed my potassium above the normal range. The labwork showed my result was 5.8 with the normal range stated from 3.5 to 5.3 mmol/L. I havent discussed this with my doctor but received a copy of my last labwork last month. I dont take potassium or mag supplements. Prior labs have always showed my potassium within normal limits.

Dr. John Mandrola had this to say in his blog today:

"Some patients report benefit from magnesium supplementation. I have found it helpful in my case of atrial premature beats. Let me repeat, I am not promoting supplements. Healthy patients with benign arrhythmia might try taking magnesium, especially at night. Dont take magnesium if you have kidney disease. And if you take too much, watch out for diarrhea."

Dr. said my blood test shows good potassium, and she told me not to take supplements. I do take 250mg. magnesium 3-4x/month...I'm not real faithful to taking any supplements on a regular basis.

Yoga,
Just wondering...I saw the same entry by Dr. M about magnesium...and I believe CANMAN also said something about taking the supplement at bedtime. I have been taking it at lunch..now, I have no problem switching and taking the magnesium supplement at night, but just wondering...what is the benefit of taking it at night vice during lunch on a full stomach? Thanks.

Bill

I have heard magnesium helps you fall asleep. I spoke to my EP to get blood work done to check my magnesium and potassium levels. I have read some articles that say a lot of people with afib have low magnesium. It will be interesting to see...

Oh! A nice extra benefit! I will DEFINITELY switch to bedtime!

Bill