Doctors & patients are saying about 'A-Fib.com'...
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Dr. Douglas L. Packer, MD, FHRS, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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Faye Spencer, Boise, ID, April 2017
“I think your site has helped a lot of patients.”Dr. Hugh G. Calkins, MD Johns Hopkins,
Baltimore, MD
FAQs Newly Diagnosed with A-Fib: Ending Episodes
♥ Last updated: January 28, 2019
“Is there anything I can do to get out of an A-Fib episode? How do others deal with their episodes?”
One approach to ending your A-Fib episode is a drug therapy called “pill-in-the-pocket”. Under a doctor’s direction, you take the antiarrhythmic meds flecainide (brand name Tambocor) or propafenone (Rythmol) whenever you feel the start of an attack of A-Fib. The dosage is determined by your doctor.
Note: If your A-Fib episode is longer than normal, or if it doesn’t terminate on its own, you may need to contact your doctor or visit the emergency room. The E.R. doctor may use electrical cardioversion or chemical cardioversion (medication like a Cardizem drip) to end your A-Fib episode.
Anecdotal Tips from other A-Fib Patients: Most of the following is anecdotal, what people have reported, rather than based on scientific studies. Please use discretion in trying any of the following:
• Magnesium and/or Potassium supplements have been reported to help A-Fib attacks.
• Some people soak in Epsom salts for twenty minutes to get out of an A-Fib episode. Magnesium Chloride flakes are better than Magnesium Sulfate (Espson salts). See Treatments/Mineral Deficiencies/Magnesium and ‘Natural’ Supplements for a Healthy Heart.
• Ian in Australia recommends a Martin and Pleasance product called “Magnesium Phosphate Spray” (available only in Australia/New Zealand) and Magnesium Orotate.
• Mild exercise has been reported to be helpful in getting out of an A-Fib episode, but in other cases exercise may trigger A-Fib.
• Resting and lying down in a darkened room during an A-Fib episode.
• One person suggests, “…lying down on my bed without a pillow, relaxing my body and mind, and keeping my body very warm.”
• The application of cold compresses or ice packs to the back of the neck.
• Putting one’s head between one’s knees and/or breathing down hard on one’s diaphragm.
• Taking a hot bath or shower (which seems to contradict the use of cold packs above).
(If you have any remedies which have worked for you to bring you out of an A-Fib attack, please let me know. Send me an email: Contact Us. I’ll add them to this list.)
Go back to FAQ for the Newly Diagnosed A-Fib Patient
Last updated: Monday, January 28, 2019
