Of all the non-allopathic (CAM – complementary and alternative) therapies out there, the only one that has been systematically studied is accupuncture. Puncturing of the Neiguan, Shenmen and Xinshu spots has been advocated to treat atrial fibrillation. The best study I can find in a peer reviewed journal is from JCE 2011. 80 patients post…
Tag: atrial fib
the wanderer (vagus) & AFIB
The Latin word vagus means “wandering”. The vagus is the longest nerve in the autonomic nervous system in the body. It is a parasympathetic nerve, i.e. it counters the fight or flight response. It innervates the heart, lung and stomach among other things. Just like the famous Nordic wanderer, Odin, the vagus nerve has been attributed with a lot…
magnesium & AFIB
Low serum magnesium levels have been correlated with a risk of AFIB in both the ARIC and Framingham studies. There are also data that US population as a whole is deficient in magnesium. Here is an excellent review article on magnesium and its role in cardiovascular disease. There are data that magnesium supplementation may reduce…
work too much = AFIB
How does too much work lead to AFIB? Not enough sleep Not enough exercise Eating out too much Alcohol to relax after long day at work Stress However a recent study in the European Heart Journal showed that working long hours was an independent risk factor for AFIB. The authors state “Although the 2016 European…
nuts for AFIB
A large (61,000 subject) observational study from Sweden published in British Medical Journal in 2018. (With the usual caveats about correlation not causation, non-randomization etc.). Nut consumption ≥3 times/week was associated with an 18% reduced risk of atrial fibrillation. Nuts are a great source of the following nutrients: unsaturated fatty acids protein fiber magnesium, potassium, zinc…
AFIB patient resources
American College of Cardiology American Heart Association Heart Rhythm Society
AFIB – 4 pillars of treatment
Anticoagulation Rate control Rhythm control Lifestyle (risk factor) modification Anticoagulation Anticoagulation is used to prevent stroke based on the CHA2DS2VaSC score. Patients with a score more than or equal to 2 require anticoagulation based on ACC/AHA/HRS guidelines. In Europe, they anticoagulate for a score of more than or equal to 1. Some common anticoagulants are…
AFIB – unusual symptoms
Here are some common symptoms of AFIB: 50% of patients have no symptoms Fatigue/lack of energy/”feeling old” Palpitations (irregular) (can be fast/slow) Shortness of breath Dizzness Chest pain Initial presentation with stroke Some less common symptoms of AFIB: Frequent urination (due to atrial stretch and release of natriuretic peptide from the atrium). Back pain/abdominal pain/limb…