Atrial fibrillation is a condition in which nerve impulses that regulate heart rate become irregular and cause a disorganized heart rhythm in the atria -- the upper chambers of the heart. This condition occurs in 3 to 5 percent of people over age 65, according to the Heart Rhythm Society. Some vitamins have been found to decrease symptoms of atrial fibrillation. Consult your doctor about using vitamins to treat atrial fibrillation.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has been shown to reduce atrial fibrillation in some patients following coronary artery bypass surgery, according to David Rakel, M.D., author of the book "Integrative Medicine." The mechanism by which vitamin C is able to correct abnormal heart rhythms is unknown, though it may have something to do with the vitamin's antioxidant activity and reducing oxidative stress on the heart. Vitamin C also provides anti-inflammatory benefits that may assist with regulating heart rhythm.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6 assists heart function by decreasing levels of homocysteine, a pro-inflammatory molecule associated with increased risk for coronary artery disease and other heart conditions, according to Sylvia Escott-Stump, author of the book "Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care." A study published in the September 2004 issue of the "American Heart Journal" found that low levels of vitamin B-6 and high levels of homocysteine were associated with a form of atrial fibrillation in 310 heart patients. Vitamin B-6 also participates in production of red blood cells and is important for a healthy circulatory system.
Magnesium
Taking magnesium before heart surgery may decrease risk of developing atrial fibrillation, according to a study published in the June 2008 issue of the journal "Health Technology Assessment." The review of 22 previously published research studies noted one study in which magnesium supplementation resulted in 9 percent fewer incidences of atrial fibrillation following heart surgery. Earlier initiation of magnesium supplementation, at least 12 hours before surgery, also resulted in lower risk for atrial fibrillation compared to administering magnesium during surgery or less than 12 hours prior to surgery. Researchers concluded that magnesium supplementation may decrease risk of atrial fibrillation and shorten hospital stays after heart surgery.
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids, such as the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, may reduce risk of atrial fibrillation following heart surgery in a number of ways, according to a study conducted at the Division of Cardiology, Policlinico Casilino Rome, Italy. Omega-3 fatty acids decrease inflammation and improve both the structure of the atria and electrical conduction to the atria, say the researchers. The study was published in the January 2011 issue of the journal "Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology."
References
- "Integrative Medicine"; David Rakel; 2007
- "American Heart Journal"; Hyperhomocysteinemia and Vitamin B6 Deficiency: New Risk Markers for Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation?; R. Marcucci, et al.; September 2004
- "Health Technology Assessment"; Intravenous Magnesium Sulphate and Sotalol for Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Systematic Review and Economic Evaluation.; J. Shepherd, et al.; June 2008
- Pacing Clinical Electrophysiology"; Upstream Effect for Atrial Fibrillation: Still a Dilemma?; L. Calò, et al.; January 2011
- HeartRhythmSociety.org: Atrial Fibrillation Facts
