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This article is from Live Strong.
Atrial fibrillation, or A fib, is an abnormal heart rhythm. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it is the most common abnormal heart rhythm, affecting more than 2 million people in the United States. The incidence of having A fib increases with age. It is diagnosed by an electrocardiogram of the heart, which shows a chaotic, abnormal, heart rhythm coming from the top of your heart. If you are diagnosed with A fib it is very important to seek proper treatment, which can be prescribed by your doctor or through natural herbs. But always consult your doctor before embarking on an herbal regimen.
A FIB DESCRIPTION
Your heart has a certain electrical pathway that makes it beat. It starts at the top of your heart, in the atria, and moves its way down, causing the bottom of your heart to push blood to the rest of your body. The sinus node causes this electrical rhythm to start. Sometimes another impulse fires in the heart and causes its own electrical rhythm; when this happens your heart can go into a very fast and chaotic rhythm known as atrial fibrillation.
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A FIB CONDITION
A fib can be chronic or acute. The American Heart Association estimates 4 percent of the population over 65 years of age are affected by A fib. Some people do not know they are in A fib, while others feel symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, heart palpitations, rapid heart beat and dizziness. A fib is diagnosed by your physician and should be treated immediately. If left untreated, A fib can cause heart failure and blood clots leading to stroke or kidney failure. Many newer treatments include mineral and herbal supplements.
MAGNESIUM AND POTASSIUM
Magnesium and potassium are two major components to the health of a cardiac cell. If your magnesium is low, your potassium may also be low. These two minerals are involved in the function of the heart and how it beats. Keeping magnesium and potassium at optimal levels controls the heart cells and ultimately your heart rhythm. According to heart arrhythmia expert Dr. Steve Ryan, between 600 and 800 mg of magnesium should be consumed daily along with 1,600 to 2,400 mg of potassium.
HAWTHORN BERRY
Derived from the berries of the Hawthorn shrub, hawthorn berry extract has been used since ancient times. This remedy is used to normalize the heart by controlling fast heartbeats, minimizing premature beats and decreasing palpitations. Hawthorn berry extract also strengthens the heart, and all the vessels surrounding the heart. Ryan suggests consuming hawthorn berry extract three times daily in 510 mg capsules. Check with your doctor before using hawthorn, however, to ensure safe and proper usage.
MOTHERWORT
Motherwort has been used to treat irregular heartbeats since ancient Greek times. It is a known heart tonic and works as an antispasmodic. It decreases heart rates and irregular heartbeats by acting as a heart sedative and calms nerves in the body. To add motherwort as a supplement, ingest 4.5 g of dried motherwort daily. Always check with your physician before starting a motherwort supplement.
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