The heart is a complex organ that requires carefully coordinated electrical currents in order to beat properly. Atrial fibrillation is a type of cardiac arrythmmia that can cause serious health problems. Some vitamins, such as vitamins C and E, may be helpful in treating this problem, but you should talk to your doctor before taking vitamin supplements.
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that begins in the atria, the two chambers of the heart that receive blood from the veins. With atrial fibrillation, the two atria become electrically disconnected from the rest of the heart. As a result, instead of them responding to one strong electrical signal, they develop numerous small electrical currents, causing them to pump erratically and with less force. Atrial fibrillation can cause heart palpitations, lethargy, weakness, confusion, shortness of breath and chest pain.
Vitamin C
Atrial fibrillation is a common complication of cardiac surgeries. One remedy that may reduce the likelihood of atrial fibrillation after heart surgery is vitamin C. The "Texas Heart Institute Journal" published an article outlining the benefits of vitamin C administration for preventing atrial fibrillation. Taking 2,000 mg of vitamin C before the operation and 1,000 mg twice each day for five days after the surgery reduced the risk of atrial fibrillation by 85 percent.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E may also be useful for relieving some of the symptoms of atrial fibrillation. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which means that it protects the body from dangerous molecules known as reactive oxygen species, which can damage cells, resulting in oxidative stress. Atrial fibrillation can increase oxidative stress in the surrounding heart tissue, and vitamin E administration may help reduce any cellular damage due to atrial fibrillation.
Safety
Atrial fibrillation can cause serious long-term cardiac problems. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have heart palpitations or have other symptoms of atrial fibrillation. Although vitamins may be effective at treating atrial fibrillation, their effectiveness has not been conclusively proven. High doses of vitamins can cause serious health problems, so talk to your doctor before taking vitamin supplements.
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