September is recognized as Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month. In this blog, we look at the causes and ramifications of atrial fibrillation. Then, we discuss three supplements which can meaningfully contribute to your body’s health and well-being in response to this condition.
The Ramifications of Atrial Fibrillation
The month of September is recognized as National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month by the American Heart Association. The goal of this annual campaign is to reduce the impact of atrial fibrillation through improved education of this condition to the public. This campaign began in 2007.
Atrial defibrillation (AFib) is a type of irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia. It is the most common type of arrhythmia. AFib occurs when the natural electrical signals produced in the upper (atrial) chambers of the heart don’t coordinate just as they should. They send irregular signals which affect the pumping of blood in the ventricle chambers of the heart. This causes a fast and irregular heartbeat.
AFib is a condition to take seriously because it can lead to a stroke or heart failure. It is caused by changes in the heart and the heart’s electrical signals. These changes could be caused by cardiovascular disease (e.g. coronary artery disease), other medical conditions (e.g. hypertension), or genetic factors.
AFIb has characteristic symptoms. These include heart flutter or palpitations, chest pain, pressure or discomfort, fatigue, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath. Symptoms occur in episodes which can last for a few days or longer. This depends on the subtype of AFib, although we won’t go into that area here.
Treatments for AFib include one or more of the following: lifestyle changes, medications, ablation therapy, or other procedures. Lifestyle changes are the first and most crucial point of change. These include reaching and maintaining a healthy weight, maintaining the recommended amount of physical activity, and managing conditions associated with the occurrence of AFib (e.g. hypertension).
Supplements to Help Manage AFib
Following a guided course of taking the right supplement(s) (your personal physician or cardiologist can help) could be a contributing factor to good heart health and the mitigation of AFib. However, they are only effective in the context of attaining proper vitamins and nutrients from a healthy diet. Following are three natural supplements which could contribute to the mitigation of symptoms and complications of AFib.
Magnesium is a crucial mineral with many functions. One of them is to help relax the body’s muscles. Supplementation with magnesium has been shown to be beneficial to those with AFib. However, these benefits are most suitable and likely in those who are deficient in magnesium. By relaxing muscles, a magnesium supplement can help stabilize heart rhythm. It could also help with blood pressure management, which is pertinent for many with AFib.
Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant produced by the body and also made available as a dietary supplement. Natural production of CoQ10 declines with age, a factor which could contribute to heart problems. Research shows that individuals who have experienced heart failure who regularly took CoQ10 (along with prescribed medication) experienced fewer AFib episodes. Like magnesium, CoQ10 also has the dual potential benefit of helping to reduce high blood pressure.
Psyllium is a natural form of fiber which, when taken in supplement form, could potentially help mitigate manifestations of AFib. This is because psyllium helps manage cholesterol by reducing levels of negative LDL cholesterol, as well as total cholesterol. Psyllium husks in powdered form are a highly accessible and ingestible form of psyllium.
If you or someone you love has AFib, know that this condition should be taken seriously. Consider how magnesium, CoQ10, and psyllium could assist in the nutritional response to AFib. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement for AFib, as some of these could interact with certain medications.