Arrhythmias

 

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Rhodiola rosea called Sedum rhodiola or Sedum rosea (known as  Arctic Root, Golden Root, King's Crown, Rhodiola, Rosenroot, Rodia riza, Lignum rhodium, or roseroot) may increase energy, stamina, strength and mental capacity; may help the body adapt to and resist physical, chemical, and environmental stress; may help athletic or sexual performance; and may reduce depression, cardiac disorders such as arrhythmias, and hyperlipidemia.   Rhodiola may help in bladder cancer, tuberculosis, and diabetes.  Rhodiola  may reduce cold and flu, aging, and liver damage; it may improve hearing, strengthen the nervous system, enhance immunity, and shorten recovery time after prolonged workouts. 170 mg daily might help fatigue in night shift workers.  May help protect from stressors such as cold and radiation.  May have an anti-inflammatory effect.  May decrease C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.  http://naturaldatabase.com
"Omega 3 fatty acids help stabilize heart rhythms...and may help prevent...arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation...(Fish and) fish oil supplements remain the best source of the omega 3 fatty acids, with alpha linolenic acid a 2nd choice." 7/2008 www.lef.org 
Unknown source. "Several maneuvers...stimulate the vagus nerve and thus decrease the heart rate...Maneuvers include straining as if having a difficult bowel movement, rubbing the neck just below the angle of the jaw (which stimulated a sensitive area on the carotid artery called the carotid sinus), and plunging the face into a bowl of ice cold water.  These maneuvers are most effective when they are used shortly after the arrhythmia starts.
If these maneuvers are not effective, if the arrhythmia produces seve symptoms, or if the episode lasts more than 20 minutes...seek medical intervention to stop the episode...usually...by giving an intravenous injection of a drug, usually adenosine or verapamil...An electrical shock to the heart may be necessary."
 

CONCERNS

Prescription Anti-Arrhythmia Medications - Playing with Fire 7/2008 www.lef.org
"Clinical trials in the 1980's reported that while heart anti-arrhythmia medications reduced the quantity of 'abnormal' heart beats, they were associated with an increase in mortality or death rates."