Medications to treat Afib may include: Rate control medications to prevent the ventricles from beating too fast. Examples include digoxin, metoprolol, verapamil or diltiazem. Rhythm control medications to help your heart beat in a normal sinus rhythm.
Treatment with medication (pharmacological cardioversion) or controlled electric shocks (electrical cardioversion) can often restore a normal heart rhythm. Afterwards, medication is typically used in order to try to prevent the heart rhythm from becoming irregular again.
The basics include not smoking, following a heart-healthy Mediterranean-style diet (high in plant-based foods, fruits and vegetables, and low in saturated fats), being physically active and keeping to a normal weight (as indicated on a body-mass index chart).
A normal heart rate, when you are resting, should be between 60 and 100 beats a minute. In atrial fibrillation, it may be over 140 beats a minute. If you notice an irregular heartbeat and/or have chest pain, see your doctor immediately.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) lists the benefits of magnesium as keeping heart rhythm steady (like antiarrhythmic A-Fib meds), maintaining normal muscle and nerve function, supporting a healthy immune system, and keeping bones strong. It's also needed for healthy blood pressure and blood sugar management.
A-fib may not be a life threatening condition by itself, but without treatment, it can affect a person's life expectancy due to the increased risk of complications such as stroke and heart failure. A person may make lifestyle changes and take medications to manage the condition and prevent further complications.
Atrial fibrillation is most often caused by changes to the heart's tissue or the electrical signaling that helps the heartbeat.
While patients who have elevated stroke risks may be able to manage symptoms of AFib — such as a racing heartbeat — with other medications or medical procedures, they will still need to take blood thinners to protect against stroke.
The longer persistent Afib goes without treatment, however, the harder it is to manage. It may become permanent or lead to severe complications such as blood clots or stroke.
A beta blocker, such as bisoprolol or atenolol, or a calcium channel blocker, such as verapamil or diltiazem, will be prescribed. The medicine you'll be offered will depend on what symptoms you're having and your general health. A medicine called digoxin may be offered if other drugs are not suitable.
The good news is that although AF is a long-term condition, if managed correctly, you can continue to lead a long and active life. There are a number of steps you can take that will help you manage your condition, lower your risk of stroke and relieve any worries you may have.
There are types of AFib, some can come and go on their own while others require treatment with medications or procedures. You may be able to take some steps to help ease symptoms when they start, such as a combination of prescribed medication and deep breathing.
Remember that no matter what activity you're doing, if you experience any symptoms related to atrial fibrillation — like lightheadedness or chest pain or pressure — you should stop and rest for a while, says Hussein. And if you have more serious symptoms like intense chest pain, visit a hospital emergency room.
Stimulate the vagus nerve
The vagus nerve connects the brain to the heart, and stimulating it can calm palpitations. An individual can stimulate the vague nerve by: holding the breath and pushing down, as though having a bowel movement. placing ice or a cold, damp towel on the face for a few seconds.
Oral: Magnesium glycinate is thought to be the best type of oral supplement when correcting a severe magnesium deficiency. Sublingual: Angstrom Magnesium is 99% pure Magnesium that's applied under the tongue.
Tyramine: This amino acid is commonly found in aged cheeses such as cheddar, parmesan, and gorgonzola, as well as pepperoni, salami, soybean, and snow peas. Tyramine can increase blood pressure and can trigger an AFib episode. Eliminating tyramine containing foods can improve the patient's condition.
If you notice that your AFib episodes happen more often, last longer, or your medication doesn't help as much, your condition is probably getting worse.
If you're sitting down and feeling calm, your heart shouldn't beat more than about 100 times per minute. A heartbeat that's faster than this, also called tachycardia, is a reason to come to the emergency department and get checked out. We often see patients whose hearts are beating 160 beats per minute or more.