I was first diagnosed with AF in 1992. Was on Lanoxin for
about two years. Quit taking the medication was doing good
until July 97. I was hospitalized ten times from July until
Sept. 97. My cardilogist has had me on many different
medications. In Sept. he put me on Cardorone and this was
working until Feb. 98. I was hospitalized again, this time
with AF and hypertension. I am now on Cardorone and
Betapace twice a day. Today is Feb.14 and I am having some
more problems with fast heart rate, headache, nausea and
think my blood pressure is high again. I do hope the right
medication will be found so that I can start enjoying my
life again. I am always out of breath and tired also. I
am 41 years old. I feel that I am too young to have this.
In Reply to: Re: atrial fibrillation posted by Marylyn Wheeler on February 14, 1998 at 14:44:13:
Dear Marilyn,
At 41, you almost certainly have low INTRACELLULAR magnesium (for you). This deficiency is the most commonly missed cause for your condition. We MDs are so busy trying to supppress your symptoms we don't consider looking for causes.
Use the search feature for this BB & read everything you can find about magnesium and about cardiac dysrrhythmias. Atrial fibrillation is one of the few dysrrhythmias that can properly be called an arrhythmia.
There are likely references in your library about low intracellular magnesium & atrial fibrillation. When you read them, you will wonder why your doc doesn't know about it. This relatioinship has been known for about 40 years and the most common trace mineral deficiency in this country is intracellular magnesium. Sone studies say that more than 80% of the entire population is deficient (in this country).
ALSO, depending on your actual cardiac diagnosis (unless your heart has been proven "normal" except for the fibrillation) there are other things you can do to improve the health of the cardiac muscle.
If after you get the above under your belt, you still have questions, write again.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: atrial fibrillation posted by Walt Stoll on February 16, 1998 at 11:32:43:
hi, I'm writing on behalf of my grandma who is 777 years old, and was just diagnosed to day with AF.. Most of her life shes had many operations on her intestines and like inside stuff, but this is the first ever time that shes ever known of a heart problem, I was reading about the intercellular magnesium deficiency maybe that could be her problem, and the doc she saw put her on this medication that has really been upsetting her stomach and making her vomite,, um maybe there is like naturopathic or herbal ways of treating this problemm,, !! help my grandma?
thanks
In Reply to: Re: atrial fibrillation posted by Michael D'Addario on February 19, 1998 at 23:49:43:
Dear Michael,
If she is 777 years old, she might have everything (grin).
I am in MA and do not have my desk references at hand. She needs at least to be seen in consultation by a physician certified in chelation or by a physician who at least knows enough to order an intracellular magnesium AND what to do about the results in her case.
Write me again after 2/24 and I can give you those (800) numbers to call.
Walt
I am a Clinical Nurse Specialist for an ICU and ER - and we had an unsuccessful cardioversion for a newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation patient today. He had been in previously good health, but had been taking nasal spray to help him sleep. Seems he has chronic sleep apnea, and the nasal spray was clearing out his sinuses and he was sleeping better. Could this use of nasal spray x 1 mo caused this a-fib? My staff was asking me and I thought I would pose the question (besides looking it up in the PDR :} Thank you for your time. Donna Haase, RN, MS, CNS
I had an unsuccessful cardioversion in Thursday 2/19/98 and was released from the hospital Today. Now what? My doctors orders are to increase my dosage of Coumadin to 750mf twice a day and continue my other meds for blood pressure and coronary artery disease. I'm taking Inderal la 60mg, Mevacor 40mg, twice a day. I also take Hyzaar 25mg once a day at bedtime. While in the hospital I was also given Prokanimide 2 tablets. I don't know the dosage of these. I'm to have a blood test on Monday and the following Monday. And I'm to see him on that second Monday.
I have a history of heard desease and high blood presure. My first heart attack was in 1983. I was 41 then. Now at 56...this. My recent history also includes something which I consider a bit strange. I have been experiencing reduced energy over the past six or seven months. I ran out of my over the counter multivitamines for a couple of days recently and had a tremendous INCREASE in my energy level. What does this mean? I asked my doctor and he said something about toxic levels of trace minerals. And that studies haven't been made on effects of some of them on the body. I had been taking this brand for over 25 years with no ill effects but I've stopped taking them for now. I feel better. As for My AF, it was discovered just a couple of weeks later. I was and still am asymptomatic and was surprised when I was told about it. Now I'm at a real loss as to what to do. I read some of the other postings about Magnesium and CoEnzyme Q10. Are they for me too? What do you think..
In Reply to: Re: atrial fibrillation posted by Donna Haase on February 20, 1998 at 21:26:18:
Dear Donna,
Certainly, if he is at the "edge of his cliff" for atrial fibrillation (due to intracellular magnesium defiency &/or dysautonomia), the drops COULD push him over the edge.
One might ask why he has the sleep apnea, chronic sinusitis, etc. All these are known signs of psychoneuorimmunological problems due to chronic fight or flight storage in the hypothalamus.
Read the classic in this field (which just came out with a new edition): "Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer' by Dr Pelletier.
Please share what you learn with the BB participants. Your knowledge & experience would help many others avoid getting in the same fix.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: atrial fibrillation posted by Allan Segal on February 21, 1998 at 02:39:53:
Dear Allan,
At the very least your doc should admit to you that he knows nothing about nutrition. Instead, he tries to pretend & gives out worse than worthless information.
Your story IS typical for those who have a severe intracellular deficiency of magnesium. This explains EVERYTHING that you listed in this note.
Use the search feature for this BB & read everything you can find about magnesium.
IF your AF is related to a diagnosed cardiac muscle disorder, the CoEnzyme Q10 might be helpful if used in doses of at least 100 milligrams twice a day.
However, in the long run, the magnesium is probably the most important since it explains EVERYTHING you said. You would need at least a couple of grams of magnesium, intravenously, 3-4 times a week for a couple of weeks to get your level up high enough that you would begin absorbing it efficiently orally--even then, you would need to be sure to take a very easily absorbed form of Mg.
If you have more questions, write again. As you get well, please share your experiences with us here on the BB.
I would also suggest you make practicing a wellness program as a personal hobby of yours. If you don't know how to do THAT, write again.
Walt
I'm a 38 y/o white male who has been in the emerg room 2X in the past 2 wks for atrial fib. First time, my rythyms converted to normal after a couple of hrs. Next visit (2 wks later) I was given Cardiazam (sp) to lower HR (which was between 120 and 145 beats per minute). Rythyms converted to normal 1 hr later. These episodes of AF are always brought on by what I call "ballistic" movements i.e. heavy weight lifting, strenuous racquetball (as has been the case the last 2 times). Sometimes, even blowing my nose hard brings it on for short (5-10 sec) duration. Began having these episodes 3 to 5 yrs ago, but they only lasted a few seconds to a minute and passed quickly. I thought they were only overexertion palpitations. Have had blood tests and echocardiagram, both of which I was told were normal by a respected cardiologist in the area (Omaha). Am going for treadmill test 3 March. Any help would be appreciated. Forgot to mention I am active duty military at Offutt AFB in Omaha Ne. Also, I take centrum, e, beta carotine and lysine daily. Have ordered your book. Also, after reading related articles by you regarding AF, I have started taking additional potassium and magnesium (both in pill form, with lunch). Additionally, have started taking garlic supplement daily. Please help. I'm scared and desperate for help. I'm a competitive racquetball player and very much miss being able to play for fear of havung another episode. Have backed off of all forms of exercise and exertion except for 2 to 3 miles of brisk walking several days a week. Last walk I went on (yesterday), episode brought on while walking up steep hill. Went away after 30 minutes on it's own. Have been doing extensive research and reading on the internet regarding AF. Are there any specific questions or tests I need to ask the cardiologist about when I see him on 3 March?? Thanks in advance.
In Reply to: Cardiac Dysrrhythmias posted by David Norman on February 24, 1998 at 18:22:31:
David,
while you are waiting to hear From Dr. Stoll you might also want to search and read about food allergies and whole food especially refined sugar and carbs and wheat. Aslo search all the info on this BB about relaxation.
I had a heart rate of 60 but when I would do the least excertion such as standing or opeing a can it would go to 160. Even specialist couldn't figure it out. Well after Iam getting the big picture now after reading this web site reading Dr stoll's book and learnig about whole foods. Petter Wray had a great web site that will also give you info on allergies. You can find it by clicking on other links. Try to get as much under your belt before your appt on March 3. You'll feel better knowing you have ohter options. It your Body and your health and we have to become the ones in control.
Best of Luck,
Shelly
DR STOLL,
Hello, i need some advise i am a 38 yr old female who recently developed New onset a fib with rvr. i had an echocardiogram that showed a mild to moderate enlargement left atria. since then i developed shortness of breath. The doctors all tell me that everything is normal. i can't do activitity of daily living with becoming sob. I have three little children at home to run after this can't keep on. i would appreciate any suggestion.
thanks so much cindy taylor
In Reply to: Re: atrial fibrillation posted by Walt Stoll on February 23, 1998 at 16:58:50:
Thank you for the information on magnesium. I've come accross it in some of my other readings. I've decided to become a detective on this illness. I've been reading everything I can find on it. I've searched the net as well as college libraries in this area. I have a couple of questions about your reply. While I am aware of the benefits of dietary magnesium, I don't know the best form to take it in. I assume that any of the shopping center health food outlets will have it.
Second, You stated that the CoEnzyme Q10 could help cardiac muscle disorder. I donk think I have that. I've always been told that I have coronary artery disease. Is there a difference? Please excuse my stupidity about this condition. I'm just starting out on this search and at this stage, I know next to nothing. I took a nutrition course and Anatomy and physiology in college, but that was many, many years ago. I guess as I get deeper into this subject, some of it will come back to me.
One last question, Please explain the "Personel wellness program".
Again, Thank you for the information. I'm to see my doctor on Monday. I'll let you know his response.
Allan
In Reply to: Re: atrial fibrillation posted by Allan Segal on February 27, 1998 at 01:46:36:
Allen,
While you are waiting for Dr. Stoll's reply, you might click onto the Home Page and read the articles there, specifically "How to Be Healthy."
If you don't know how to get to the Home Page, click "Ask Dr. Stoll" at the top or bottom of this page. That will get you to the main board. Then click the "Home Page" button. There is a lot of good general information there.
Good Luck
Jim
In Reply to: Re: atrial fibrillation posted by Jim on February 27, 1998 at 08:05:19:
Allan, (Sorry, got your name wrong before),
You might also click on the "search" button and enter atrial fibrillation into the search engine. I tried it, and I got a large number of past questions and replies from the board. It is a good place to continue your search.
Jim
I was hospitalized about 6 months ago with atrial fibrillation. My irregular heartbeat, which was around 200 beats per minute at the time, was treated with medication.
My hearbeat did not return to normal for quite some time.
The hospital admitted me and I was told by the cardiologist that was treating me, that if my heartbeat did not return to normal by morning, they would put me out and give me a jolt with the paddles! About 10pm that night, my heart beat returned to normal.
I have had brief episodes of atrial fibrillation for years.
This was the first time that my heartbeat did not return to normal after a few minutes. I was told to give up caffeine, which I have done, but I still continue to have breif episodes of atrail fibrillation. I had noticed that even when I was not experiencing these episodes, my heartbeat seemed generally rapid anyway. I timed my heartrate on several occasions when my hartbeat seemed fast, but not irregular. It was betwwen 90 - 100 beats per minute.
I have been on a low fat, low cholesterol diet and have noticed that my heartbeat seems more normal. I timed it today and it was about 75 beats per minute. If I cheat on