Cardiac Arrhythmia
Cardiac arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat. While a palpitation is irregular also, it is usually mild and will correct itself. The condition usually does not correct itself, but it can be treated. What happens is that the heart beats either too slow or too fast. What happens is the electrical impulses that control the heart beat become uncoordinated and ineffective.
Symptoms
The heart beat is irregular, beating either too fast or too slow. With an arrhythmia, you may become tired easily, experience shortness of breath and feel lightheaded. Other symptoms may include angina, near syncope or syncope, palpitations, hypotension, heart failure, stroke, dyspnea and arterial embolism. Other symptoms may include fainting, confusion, difficulty breathing when lying down and sensation of tightness in the chest.
Causes
Cardiac arrhythmia is caused by chaotic electrical impulses in the heart. The normal coordination between the atria and the ventricles of the heart is lost and the heart rate becomes irregular. These irregularities can be caused by stress, caffeine, tobacco use, alcohol, diet pills and cold medications. Hyperthyroidism, hypertension, alcoholism and other diseases may contribute to the condition. It is more common in the elderly, although it can occur at any age.
Cautions
It is a serious condition that should be assessed by a medical doctor. Untreated it can result in death. Herbs can help support the cardiovascular system, however. Before taking any herb when you have cardiac issues, be sure that your physician is aware of your plans and ask if there are any potential interactions with any medications you are already taking.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Reishi mushroom – this herb is beneficial to the cardiovascular system. It can help regulate the coronary and cerebral circulation and help lower cholesterol.
- Oregon Grape – this herb contains berberine, which is also found in goldenseal. Berberine can be beneficial for ventricular arrhythmias that are due to lack of oxygen. Studies also suggest that berberine may help prevent re-entrant ventricular tachyarrhythmias and sudden coronary death after a myocardial ischemic episode.
- Hawthorn – this herb regulates the heart and strengthens the heart muscles. It can normalize blood pressure and reduce the occurrence of heart-related problems.
- Passionflower – this herb is beneficial to the heart and may help reduce the underlying causes.
- Ginkgo biloba – is also beneficial to the heart, and has been studied as to its ability to reduce cardiac arrhythmias.
- Viburnum opulus – this herb is helpful because it addresses underlying causes like stress, high blood pressure and muscle convulsions.
- Astragalus – this herb stabilizes the heart rhythm. Take this herb according to the directions supplied on the label or by your care provider.
- Corydalis – this herb may be anti-arrhythmic and help control the condition. Studies are still being done, but what has been completed is very promising. The dosage studied was 300 to 600 mg. This herb was most helpful for a specific type known as supraventricular premature beat, or SVPB.
- Garlic – this herb is beneficial in many ways, and is currently being studied for its beneficial effects.