Heart stumbles are so-called extrasystoles that originate in the atrium or ventricle of the heart. Although they are generally harmless in a structurally healthy heart and – except in cases of great suffering – do not require treatment, the heart sensations perceived as skips or stumbles trigger uncertainty or anxiety in many people. If a heart disease has been ruled out by the doctor, there is a whole range of home remedies for those affected against the annoying heart stumble. If there is a suspicion of suffering from serious heart disease, however, home remedies should be avoided and a cardiologist should be consulted.
What home remedies help against heart palpitations?
Large meals should be the rarity in heart stumbles, if not completely disappear from the menu. Effective self-help for heart stumbles starts in the best case with the causes of the complaints – if these are known. Classic triggers of extrasystoles are, for example, the consumption of stimulants (coffee, black tea, alcohol and nicotine), acute or chronic stress situations, nervousness and lack of sleep. In many cases, a consistent lifestyle change that avoids the triggers or reduces them as much as possible already leads to a significant reduction in the often unpleasant stumble attacks. With regard to diet, a whole-food diet that is as low in sodium as possible and sufficient drinking are advisable. People with cardiac stumbles should also avoid overly sumptuous meals, as otherwise a large amount of blood is needed for digestion. A typical trigger of an extrasystole is also the so-called Roemheld syndrome, in which air and gas accumulations in the digestive tract push the diaphragm upwards and can thus trigger reactive cardiac arrhythmias. If the cause of heart palpitations is a deficiency of magnesium or potassium, these substances can be supplied through a conscious diet or dietary supplements. Potassium, which is of great importance with regard to the heart rhythm, is found in nuts or bananas, for example. When taking potassium via dietary supplements, however, the specified daily doses must not be exceeded under any circumstances, as excessive potassium intake can trigger dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Especially for nervous patients or people who sweat a lot or do sports, a diet that deliberately contains magnesium is also useful. Magnesium, which is contained in whole-grain bread or beans, for example, relaxes the heart muscle and in many cases reduces the occurrence of heart palpitations. Omega-3 fatty acids and coenzyme Q10 also have a favorable effect on the heart rhythm.
Quick help
In the case of sudden onset of heart stuttering, there are some home remedies and tricks that can bring quick help. The best known is the so-called Vasalva maneuver, which involves breathing against the compressed nostrils with the mouth closed, as in equalizing the pressure in an airplane. This pressing maneuver can often re-stabilize the heart rhythm in a matter of seconds via the change in blood pressure. Deliberate coughing can have a similar effect. Cold water on the face or wrists, as well as a strong sip of cold water, can also stop heart stuttering in many cases. For sufferers who are unable to stop the heart stuttering by these methods, the main thing is to remain calm and learn to cope with the extrasystoles. The individual coping strategies are a matter of type. Often it already helps to be able to take a little time out from everyday life and to keep in mind that the doctor has certified that the cardiac irregularities are not dangerous. Those who run the risk of becoming too fixated on the out-of-step heart in a calm posture should rather distract themselves with a walk before the heart stumble sends them into a panic.
Alternative remedies
Those who wish to combat their heart stumble with alternative remedies and methods will find expert advice from a naturopath or a pharmacy (preferably specialized in naturopathy). While remedies from classical homeopathy must be used according to type and are best selected by a naturopath, it is worthwhile to try them yourself with the Schuessler salts.The salts number 5 (Kalium phosphoricum) and – especially for stressed and nervous people – the salt number 7 (Magnesium phosphoricum) – both in the potency D6 – are particularly helpful for heart palpitations. In addition to the use of calming medicinal plants such as valerian or St. John’s wort, it is also worthwhile for people affected by extrasystoles to try out aromatherapy. Lavender in particular has a relaxing effect, but other oils whose scent is perceived as pleasant by those affected can also help. For those who prefer to counteract cardiac stumbling with physical activity, there are some helpful forms of exercise that can be selected depending on the type. Favorable for the cardiovascular system is regular endurance training without performance ambition. Those who prefer a calm and relaxing atmosphere can try autogenic training or yoga to acquire the necessary serenity in the face of heart stuttering.
