View Full Version : Arrhythmia Ended With Supplements
HappyHiker
1-11-19, 11:15pm
Wonder if anyone has ended their arrhythmia by using supplements??
I think mine are caused by my blood pressure meds depleting minerals...at least that's what my reading has shown as a possibility. Potassium, magnesium, potassium and sodium need to be in balance. I've been restricting salt.
Cardiologist found nothing organically wrong.
My Doc is pill-happy and not willing to play around with supplements. Frustrated am I! I live in a small town without any integrative or holistic doctors...
My weight is normal, in good cardio shape, and I eat a pretty wholesome diet. Getting tired of pounding heart...
Anyhow, just checking in to see if anyone else has found themselves mineral-depleted and cured themselves of a medical condition by correcting their minerals?
Williamsmith
1-12-19, 6:02am
Prescription Atenolol will control it. It’s a beta blocker that is very affordable. But that’s not the answer you are seeking. Supplements are widely variable in their content, that’s the negative thing about relying on them. It’s the inconsistency.
HappyHiker
1-12-19, 9:05am
Prescription Atenolol will control it. It’s a beta blocker that is very affordable. But that’s not the answer you are seeking. Supplements are widely variable in their content, that’s the negative thing about relying on them. It’s the inconsistency.
Actually, that might be very helpful. Right now I'm taking an ACE (Lisinopril) and a Calcium Channel Blocker (Amlodipine) for HBP. Maybe substituting a beta blocker for those two will both lower my blood pressure and ending the pounding heart issue? Worth a try. Will ask the Doc...
Thanks...
Happyhiker, my husband has stopped taking Lisinopril because he has side effects. Have you had any problems with it? Now he is on nothing, an his bp is definitely going back up.
HappyHiker
1-12-19, 10:39am
Happyhiker, my husband has stopped taking Lisinopril because he has side effects. Have you had any problems with it? Now he is on nothing, an his bp is definitely going back up.
Well, everyone can have different possible side effects. Mine have been the cough (better than when first started), insomnia, and some edema in ankles. But it's the pounding heart that's bugging me -- that contributes to the insomnia. But this side effect could be caused by the Amlodipine or the combo of the 2, so who knows??
It's dangerous to stop a BP med...could your husband check out hawthorne supplements? They are supposed to be as effective as some BP meds.
Research Dr. Weil, M.D. online and see what he recommends -- I've great respect for this Harvard Med School-educated physician. He wrote a great book I refer to often: Natural Health, Natural Medicine. Worth locating a copy ....
Diet (avoiding too much salt, sugar, caffeine, junk food and eating lots of green leafy vegetables) and cardio exercise (and yoga and meditation!) are helpful in lowering HBP...as are some supplements such as magnesium...lots to explore and learn...
But if your health matters, it's a worthwhile journey, I think...
Thank you, he loves Dr. Weil and respects him, so will definitely do that, and will look into the hawthorne. I agree it is dangerous to do what he is doing but he can't stand the side effects, they are extreme for him, and he has been trying to get good medical care now for 7 months and it has been such a run around with tests and waiting for tests. So he's pretty pissed about the whole situation.
HappyHiker
1-12-19, 10:53am
Thank you, he loves Dr. Weil and respects him, so will definitely do that, and will look into the hawthorne. I agree it is dangerous to do what he is doing but he can't stand the side effects, they are extreme for him, and he has been trying to get good medical care now for 7 months and it has been such a run around with tests and waiting for tests. So he's pretty pissed about the whole situation.
Oh, my sympathy! Same drill here...the good doctors here (I live in a small town) that friends recommend are not accepting new patients.
Seems we must learn to doctor ourselves in many ways. Luckily, I enjoy exploring cooking and eating wholesome foods, exercising, and natural remedies over pills with often negative side effects. Struggling with this stubborn HBP, though!
Diet & exercise and stress reduction so often are the cure for what ails us. My opinion and experience anyhow! Our bodies want to be healthy if we care for them well. Deferred maintenance, for cars--and bodies--lead to system failure...want to keep my personal vehicle running smoothly by giving it great fuel...lol.
Off the top of my head, I'd say magnesium, so you could look into that.
Teacher Terry
1-12-19, 12:31pm
I am on a beta blocker to control my very fast erratic heartbeat and HBP. Luckily I haven’t had any side effects. I know someone that had a stroke when they quit taking their medication.
https://www.rnareset.com/pages/arrhythmia-magnesium-deficiency
The casual prescription of powerful (unnecessary, dangerous) drugs, and the public's willingness to take them never ceases to surprise and trouble me.
HappyHiker
1-12-19, 4:02pm
[QUOTE=Teacher Terry;318750]I am on a beta blocker to control my very fast erratic heartbeat and HBP. Luckily I haven’t had any side effects. I know someone that had a stroke when they quit taking their medication.[/QUOTE
Would you mind telling me/us your dosage and type of beta blocker?? I'd like to get off the ACE and CCB meds I'm on and move to a beta blocker..sounds like it worked for you and I'm having the same issues.
The article Jane sent a link to (thanks, Jane) says the ACE med I've been taking depletes Mag which can cause the heart issues...
Teacher Terry
1-12-19, 4:03pm
Interesting article Jane. I don’t have a-fib. At age 50 I had been feeling bad for months so my doctor ordered tests. It turns out my resting heart rate was so high and erratic that the cardiologist said it was a miracle I hadn’t had a stroke while exercising daily. I had no heart disease so they don’t know the cause.
Teacher Terry
1-12-19, 4:12pm
Bisoprolol fumarate 10mg and hydrochloridethiazide 25 mg. One is a beta blocker and one is a diareatic.
Interesting article Jane. I don’t have a-fib. At age 50 I had been feeling bad for months so my doctor ordered tests. It turns out my resting heart rate was so high and erratic that the cardiologist said it was a miracle I hadn’t had a stroke while exercising daily. I had no heart disease so they don’t know the cause.
I would be thrilled if modern medicine spent more time researching cause and effect and less on preach and prescribe, personally. I'm sorry you didn't get an answer.
frugal-one
1-12-19, 4:34pm
I had a rapid heartbeat (tachiyardia) 25% of the time. The doc said I needed to be on a beta blocker. The side effects and the idea that you can't just go off of them forced me to investigate other options. I have been taking CALM (a powdered magnesium supplement). You have to play around for a few days to figure out the dosage for you (can cause diarrhea). It STOPPED the tachiyardia! I went back to the doc to see if it was ok to exercise and he did the same tests as before and asked me why I was there since I did NOT have a problem. I told him they wanted me to take a beta blocker but I took magnesium (CALM) instead. Why wasn't I told magnesium would abate the problem. His reply.... we only prescribe drugs!! The other thing to do is to make sure you are hydrated. Dehydration will cause a rapid heartbeat in some people!
Teacher Terry
1-12-19, 4:40pm
Frug, that’s great. Luckily I have not had any side effects from the drugs after 14 years. HBP runs big time in my mom’s side of the family regardless of diet, exercise, healthy food choices, etc. Although they all lived long healthy lives. My aunt is 94 and still lives alone. Her mind is great.
HappyHiker
1-12-19, 5:00pm
This thread is proving interesting--and helpful! Thanks everyone for your experiences and comments and links. One thing I've found is each of us is not bio-identical--so one size does not fit all. But the magnesium connection is very interesting. Seems most of us are short on this mineral due to soil mineral depletion...
I'd like to try CALM...just started supplementing with Mag in pill form but read it can take 90 days to get Mag restored to cells..not a quick fix...
Williamsmith
1-13-19, 6:01am
I have been advised that the alarming “skipping” heartbeat for me is a delayed beating which is not related in any way to heart disease. I was told most people have this type of activity going on with their heart but they are not aware of it. With me it is stress related and aggravated by caffeine consumption. So I avoid conflict, and caffeinated beverages and take 25 mg of atenolol once a day. Which does the trick. I would agree that dehydration aggravates the situation as does the onset of an illness or infection.
What is your arrhythmia? Sounds like you are hypertensive per the meds you list but you don't talk about this diagnosis?
Be careful with supplements. Some are specifically contraindicated with certain antihypertensives. You could counteract and get in bigger trouble.
For your hypertension: research the interactions of taking 2000mg fish oil daily along with 200 of CoQ10. With some meds CoQ10 is specifically contraindicated, with others it's fine.
HappyHiker
1-13-19, 2:56pm
What is your arrhythmia? Sounds like you are hypertensive per the meds you list but you don't talk about this diagnosis?
Be careful with supplements. Some are specifically contraindicated with certain antihypertensives. You could counteract and get in bigger trouble.
For your hypertension: research the interactions of taking 2000mg fish oil daily along with 200 of CoQ10. With some meds CoQ10 is specifically contraindicated, with others it's fine.
Good point! Wondering about supplementing while I'm on a calcium channel blocker and ACE drugs?
Research says the CCBs can cause deficiencies in potassium, D, calcium and possibly CoQ10
ACE drugs can cause deficiencies of CoQ10, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc
So the two both implicate shortages, possibly, in calcium, potassium, CoQ10. Since I've been long-term with the ACE, magnesium depletion is quite possible. Serum (blood tests) are not a good indicator as Mag shortage as Mag is mostly inter-cellular.
Not easy to figure out. I've not been supplementing with calcium, but looks as though I should...?
I do take CoQ10, zinc, b complex, c, d, and fish oil, and try to eat potassium-rich foods. But a shortage of potassium is very possible, given the above.
Wish I had a degree in bio-nutrition/chemistry. This is above my pay-grade in treating myself with supplementation. My Doc is not interested.
The cardiologist came up with a diagnosis of "borderline cardiomyopathy" after 4 tests. I've no symptoms except for pounding heart and occasional arrhythmia (a feeling of heart fluttering). I do quite a bit of cardio work at the gym and have for years...I aced the treadmill stress test.
Sorry to go on endlessly about my health, but hopeful it might help others, too, with similar questions...
Calcium channel blockers have a similar effect as magnesium. I once asked a medical professional why they didn't just recommend magnesium and they couldn't answer. Calcium contracts your muscles; magnesium relaxes them. You need both to be in rough balance, depending on your conditions.
I have had ectopy (mostly PVCs) off and on for many years. Are you in perimenopause/menopause? I'm on a very small dose of metoprolol, so I don't think that helps me control them. I've had a stress echo and all is fine, but dang these PVCs can drive me nuts. Sometimes calcium and magnesium work. Sometimes it seems like it's caused by some esophageal irritation and I take something mylanta. Sometimes it's from too much gas in my stomach, and GasX helps. It's really hard to figure it all out (cause and effect). Sometimes it goes away out of the blue, and then come back.
But....to get to your original question......I would first suggest calcium and magnesium (but find a magnesium that doesn't give you diarrhea, or you'll lose it), and make sure your D is well above the suggested lower limit of normal, and a good B12 in the most absorbable form (methylcobalamine).
Many people (I've read online) do seem to have a connection between their esophagus and their irregular heartbeats....so make sure yours isn't irritated a lot.
Funny how some people have a ton of ectopy and don't feel it. And some of us have it and feel every single beat. :(
Good luck to you.
Good point! Wondering about supplementing while I'm on a calcium channel blocker and ACE drugs?
Research says the CCBs can cause deficiencies in potassium, D, calcium and possibly CoQ10
ACE drugs can cause deficiencies of CoQ10, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc
So the two both implicate shortages, possibly, in calcium, potassium, CoQ10. Since I've been long-term with the ACE, magnesium depletion is quite possible. Serum (blood tests) are not a good indicator as Mag shortage as Mag is mostly inter-cellular.
Not easy to figure out. I've not been supplementing with calcium, but looks as though I should...?
I do take CoQ10, zinc, b complex, c, d, and fish oil, and try to eat potassium-rich foods. But a shortage of potassium is very possible, given the above..
ACE inhibitors cause Elevated blood potassium levels not depletion
If you're adding potassium I wonder if your level is too high? That would definitely affect your heart rate. Have you had blood work in the last 6 months that shows your potassium level?
Since both drugs you take state CoQ10 depletion, it seems rational to add that supplement. I would search for a clean one that doesn't contain a lot of other items in it.
I tend to go to this brand for clean supplements: https://www.vitacost.com/vitacost-coq10-200-mg-120-capsules-9
Any change you make, do just 1 for 45-60 days. You need to know what is doing what to your body so that if it's not positive you know what to stop.
I wouldn’t add any supplements without labs and doc involvement. Vitamins and minerals are medications too.
Teacher Terry
1-13-19, 11:04pm
Having seen many people that have had strokes I am really conservative when it comes to heart or BP issues. Now cholesterol medication you couldn’t pay me to take it.
Mom's pharmacist told her to not take vitamin pill at the same time as her new medication. There were potential issues with certain ingredients in some mulit vitamin combinations.
Hubby has episodes of SVT, which is a rapid heart rate. His is caused by an "electrical short" , but even after having episodes in the hosp while hooked to a monitor and going through the process to have an ablation (but didn't, as they couldn't find a trigger), it's not know what causes his issues.
His cardiologist says dehydration, too much sugar / carbs, and lack of good quality sleep seem to be his triggers. Also, when getting another illness, his heart rhythms will act up. Currently he's recovering from pneumonia, and we are having to check his rate frequently.
Maybe keep a log and see if their are elements you can control ( drinking more,etc) to add to the arsenal of resources to control your heart.
Oh yes..........I forgot to mention sleep apnea. That can cause a lot of irregular heartbeats. Many people don't even realize how many episodes of apnea or obstructive breathing they have during the night.
Besides getting a sleep study done, you might be able to use a recording finger oximeter from a sleep doctor, that will record if your oxygen levels drop too low during the night. It's much easier than a sleep study.
IMO, most people are low in potassium--I know I struggle to get enough. The minimum daily requirement is five grams, which is a lot. And the government mandates that supplements only supply 99 mg. We'd probably all be better off using salt substitute (I like LoSalt) along with actual sodium chloride to raise our levels to optimal. I checked the literature once, and the incidence of hyperkalemia in healthy people is minuscule, scare stories from the medical community aside.
HappyHiker
1-14-19, 2:01pm
IMO, most people are low in potassium--I know I struggle to get enough. The minimum daily requirement is five grams, which is a lot. And the government mandates that supplements only supply 99 mg. We'd probably all be better off using salt substitute (I like LoSalt) along with actual sodium chloride to raise our levels to optimal. I checked the literature once, and the incidence of hyperkalemia in healthy people is minuscule, scare stories from the medical community aside.
Yep! I just started using a salt substitute of potassium chloride. I don't salt my food very much, but figured it wouldn't hurt...
just read online that a smoothie that's high in both potassium and magnesium and easy to make: a frozen banana, kale, and almond milk. Gonna give it a whirl...strange combo at first glance, yes??
Have just read that my diagnosis of "borderline cardiomyopathy" can cause pounding heartbeat and arrhythmia...really no treatment that I'm willing to undertake other than controlling the HBP with meds as I'm doing. I'll continue to do all the lifestyle things such as wholesome diet and regular exercise. I've no other symptoms such as shortness of breath, faintness, nausea, etc.
On next Doc visit will discuss changing my calcium channel blocker to a beta blocker (recommended for the heart issue) and run another blood test to assess my electrolyte profile... .last time all was within normal bounds...
Complicated stuff, this.
frugal-one
1-14-19, 2:09pm
Hubby has episodes of SVT, which is a rapid heart rate. His is caused by an "electrical short" , but even after having episodes in the hosp while hooked to a monitor and going through the process to have an ablation (but didn't, as they couldn't find a trigger), it's not know what causes his issues.
His cardiologist says dehydration, too much sugar / carbs, and lack of good quality sleep seem to be his triggers. Also, when getting another illness, his heart rhythms will act up. Currently he's recovering from pneumonia, and we are having to check his rate frequently.
Maybe keep a log and see if their are elements you can control ( drinking more,etc) to add to the arsenal of resources to control your heart.
This is exactly what I have! Read earlier reply. Also, cayenne pepper is helpful. I sometimes put about 1/8t or less into vegetable juice. It really helps. Other options include homeopathic mag/phos pellets. The best though is CALM powdered magnesium supplement. It has helped me for years! As stated earlier too, it is very important to be hydrated. Sounds like he needs to research different ways to boost his immune function!
Avocados are another good source of potassium. A large Hass has 690 mg.
HappyHiker
1-14-19, 5:55pm
Great, love those little orbs of lush good fats! Our local Lidl had avocados on special and I grabbed 3 big ones. Been enjoying them a lot! Smoosh them up into a guac by adding some spices and salsa and serve atop black bean burritos atop corn tortillas..quite yummy and satisfying..
Read of another food item filled with potassium and magnesium that I will try tomorrow is a smoothie of a frozen banana, fresh kale, and almond milk. Sounds...interesting...we shall see!
HappyHiker
1-15-19, 12:29pm
Report on high Mag smoothie of kale, frozen banana, almond milk: actually, quite good! I added a little honey, a shake of cinnamon. It was quite drinkable. The kale taste was minimal...I'll add this to my breakfast rotation...
On the non-food mineral supplementation side, just read that there's a magnesium supplement with taurine which is recommended for heart health...a one-two punch.
We have been trying the Hawthorn berries for the high blood pressure for 4 days now. Three days of normal blood pressure for my husband! We are sold on doing this until he goes back to doctor.
frugal-one
1-15-19, 3:55pm
We have been trying the Hawthorn berries for the high blood pressure for 4 days now. Three days of normal blood pressure for my husband! We are sold on doing this until he goes back to doctor.
Heart healthy also.
We have been trying the Hawthorn berries for the high blood pressure for 4 days now. Three days of normal blood pressure for my husband! We are sold on doing this until he goes back to doctor.
Be SUPER careful if he is also on prescription meds. He could tank and that is scary.
Thanks, Gardner, he has stopped the prescription BP med because of side effects. He has been seeing this doctor since June now and has been diagnosed with sleep apnea and COPD. The ER doctor, when he was in for a hyperintensive crisis, said it was probably caused by the sleep apnea. The sleep disorder people take 8 weeks to set up a test, two weeks to report back, then another 8 weeks to set up another test. He is very frustrated by the lack of medical attention he is getting when he tries to go to the doctor, so he wants to try this.
Thanks, Gardner, he has stopped the prescription BP med because of side effects. He has been seeing this doctor since June now and has been diagnosed with sleep apnea and COPD. The ER doctor, when he was in for a hyperintensive crisis, said it was probably caused by the sleep apnea. The sleep disorder people take 8 weeks to set up a test, two weeks to report back, then another 8 weeks to set up another test. He is very frustrated by the lack of medical attention he is getting when he tries to go to the doctor, so he wants to try this.
In that case, i would add 2000mg of a good Fish Oil (hubby and I take Vitacost Fish Oil w/Lemon), and 200mg of CoQ10-if not contraindicated with the Hawthorne Berries.
The 2 items I listed brought hubby's BP down into mid 80s diastolic from super scary 110 diastolic.
Thanks, Gardnr, that sounds good. His diastolic was 117 a couple of days ago before we started the Hawthorne, so yeah, this is like a miracle.
Thanks, Gardner, he has stopped the prescription BP med because of side effects. He has been seeing this doctor since June now and has been diagnosed with sleep apnea and COPD. The ER doctor, when he was in for a hyperintensive crisis, said it was probably caused by the sleep apnea. The sleep disorder people take 8 weeks to set up a test, two weeks to report back, then another 8 weeks to set up another test. He is very frustrated by the lack of medical attention he is getting when he tries to go to the doctor, so he wants to try this.
Why so long?? DH just had a sleep study and he was able to get in before the week was up. He hasn't had a report back yet, but we expect it soon.
Thank you to those who pointed out the need to stay hydrated for good heart function. I wear a Fitbit and I notice that when I drink alcohol, my resting heart rate goes up. I haven't had a drink since Christmas, and have been watching my RHR steadily go down, but over the past couple of days it's gone back up to 80!? And I've been walking 2 miles almost every day and doing short yoga routines. I had erratic sleep one or two nights, so I thought maybe that was it, but I think I'll pay more attention to my fluids today and see what happens.
They tell us it is because they are the only sd clinic for all of Northern Michigan, and people come from all over.
We live in the Boonies.
His latest test (Dec 17) he had like 11 times where his oxygen levels were in the 70's.
They are not giving him the actual cpap titration until February 24.
To me, this is malpractice.
catherine
1-16-19, 11:40am
They tell us it is because they are the only sd clinic for all of Northern Michigan, and people come from all over.
We live in the Boonies.
His latest test (Dec 17) he had like 11 times where his oxygen levels were in the 70's.
They are not giving him the actual cpap titration until February 24.
To me, this is malpractice.
That is terrible. I worry a little about healthcare in VT. Although we're within 30 minutes of UVM Medical Center, which is a very good hospital, I know we are sacrificing world-class healthcare of the NY/NJ Metro area. I'm fine, but some of DH's lifestyle habits are starting to catch up with him. We have spent the last couple of months in NJ going to primary care, pulmonologist, GI guy, pain management (for sequelae of minor car accident in October)...I want to be sure we have everything lined up and all reports and treatment plans in before we go back up North.
Teacher Terry
1-16-19, 12:15pm
I have sleep apnea and waited weeks to get a appointment and then a month for the machine. My friend waited 6 weeks for her machine. The state switched from a competent provider April to a horrible one Bennett Medical. I am sure they are cheaper but consistently screw things up. That’s terrible Tybee.
Thanks, Gardner, he has stopped the prescription BP med because of side effects. He has been seeing this doctor since June now and has been diagnosed with sleep apnea and COPD. The ER doctor, when he was in for a hyperintensive crisis, said it was probably caused by the sleep apnea. The sleep disorder people take 8 weeks to set up a test, two weeks to report back, then another 8 weeks to set up another test. He is very frustrated by the lack of medical attention he is getting when he tries to go to the doctor, so he wants to try this.
Hubby, on his own, researched mouth pieces because I continually told him he had sleep apnea. He would not discuss with me or Dr. However, he ordered https://www.snorerx.com/
He was AMAZED how good he felt after just 1 week using this device. It's truly amazing. He had no idea how poorly he was sleeping.
food for thought.
He
Teacher Terry
1-16-19, 10:58pm
Not sure if that solves the low oxygen level problem. After I lost a bunch of weight sleep apnea mostly gone but still needed Machine because of low oxygen level.
HappyHiker
1-19-19, 12:30pm
Feel kind of stupid about this but...just read that my 2nd BP med, Amlodipine, can CAUSE palpitations and arrhythmia, chest pain/tightness--as well as edema in ankles, feet, insomnia from restlessness, and etc. All the symptoms I've been having.
So my GP let me go have tests with a heart doctor and never told me that the prescribed med might be the root cause of my sudden heart issues?
Not happy.
Glad you checked on it and discovered a possible connection.
We have had no terrible BP's since starting the hawthorne and I've had a couple that were phenomenal, like I used to have when I was young, 115 over 65. So glad we are trying the hawthorne.
Feel kind of stupid about this but...just read that my 2nd BP med, Amlodipine, can CAUSE palpitations and arrhythmia, chest pain/tightness--as well as edema in ankles, feet, insomnia from restlessness, and etc. All the symptoms I've been having.
So my GP let me go have tests with a heart doctor and never told me that the prescribed med might be the root cause of my sudden heart issues?
Not happy.
My SO was prescribed statins, which are notorious for causing muscle pain and kidney failure (among many other afflictions). When he was hit with muscle pain, his doctor diagnosed "polymyalgia"--a junk diagnosis if there ever was one--and put him on a year's worth of Prednisone. He might still be alive today if he had avoided doctors altogether. I'm convinced that 90% of the drugs prescribed today are unnecessary and dangerous. It's all about the profit.
HappyHiker
1-19-19, 2:02pm
Glad you checked on it and discovered a possible connection.
We have had no terrible BP's since starting the hawthorne and I've had a couple that were phenomenal, like I used to have when I was young, 115 over 65. So glad we are trying the hawthorne.
Good thing to try, thanks! Do you take pills or capsules? How much? I have some hawthorne extract that I've not tried yet...
HappyHiker
1-19-19, 2:13pm
My SO was prescribed statins, which are notorious for causing muscle pain and kidney failure (among many other afflictions). When he was hit with muscle pain, his doctor diagnosed "polymyalgia"--a junk diagnosis if there ever was one--and put him on a year's worth of Prednisone. He might still be alive today if he had avoided doctors altogether. I'm convinced that 90% of the drugs prescribed today are unnecessary and dangerous. It's all about the profit.
Yes, very much agree with you. That's so tragic about your SO...cannot imagine...
I had tried lifestyle changes and already ate and exercised well before I went, with GREAT reluctance on the BP meds...
Parents and two siblings all had/have HBP...but I was convinced I could moderate mine with lifestyle...still not convinced that I cannot lower, to a reasonable level, with natural medicine--and more meditation/breathing exercises...
My life has been miserable the last year with the chronic insomnia and heart palpitations...lack of sleep is very unhealthy...
Without taking melatonin at night I do not sleep.
The Amlodipine was cut from 5 mg to 2.5 but the heart issues remain. Will go to Doc and get off of this...it's pretty dreadful according to many users who have suffered many of these same side effects...
There are certain conditions that do require prescribed meds--such as acute infections and such, but for many other conditions--such as your SO had, there are often gentler treatments and lifestyle modifications that can help w/o the awful side effects.
If I were you, I'd be very bitter--how do you deal with that?
Teacher Terry
1-19-19, 2:33pm
Wow Jane that’s really sad. I would never take a statin. They have not been proven to prevent heart attacks or strokes with a ton of side effects.
Yes, very much agree with you. That's so tragic about your SO...cannot imagine...
...
If I were you, I'd be very bitter--how do you deal with that?
He didn't die young; he was eighty-one. So there's that. He's free of doctors now. And I have some faith we'll meet again.
Anyway, I've moved on to being bitter that my stroke-afflicted relative is in the process of losing her house--due to health care expenses--at the moment. We can only hope there's enough money left for her to buy another dwelling of some kind. Maybe a yurt...
When I was a tiny girl (and a very well-behaved child at that), I fought the doctor trying to immunize me so hard I broke a blood vessel. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Wow Jane that’s really sad. I would never take a statin. They have not been proven to prevent heart attacks or strokes with a ton of side effects.
They supposedly prevent cardiovascular recurrences in a small cohort of men who have had heart attacks or strokes. There is no proven benefit at all for women. Their NNT (number needed to treat) for one positive outcome is ridiculously high, and their side effects--mostly unreported--are legion. But boy howdy, are they profitable. If they were pushed on me, I would probably break another blood vessel.
Teacher Terry
1-19-19, 3:44pm
I have had 2 doctors wanting me to go on them. One thing I do if a doctor gets too pushy I let them prescribe and I never pick it up.
I've been fortunate that the doctors I've seen haven't been pushy, but I haven't seen one for 25 years or so--they may be more profit-driven now.
I suspect Pharma bribes or coerces doctors into prescribing those things. They have very little agency; Big Insurance and Pharma call the shots.
HappyHiker
1-26-19, 11:21am
Well, I'll be hornswaggled...turns out that either--or both--of the two HBP meds I am taking can cause irregular heart rhythms...!! Just some lovely side effects that are possible...
It pays to read a PDR book...if anyone else is on prescribed meds, it's interesting to look up the side effects to find out whether your meds could be culprit in new symptoms...
Also found out that my very rosy cheeks are another side effect of the meds--they can cause flushing...
My meds keep my HBP in check, but yet they cause other trouble...
the Hawthorne is actually working really well for both of us!
HappyHiker
1-26-19, 12:00pm
the Hawthorne is actually working really well for both of us!
Wonderful! Will you share in what form and how much you take!!
I am taking 1 565 mg capsule twice a day. Husband started taking 3 caps per day.
HappyHiker
1-26-19, 12:27pm
I am taking 1 565 mg capsule twice a day. Husband started taking 3 caps per day.
Many thanks! Are your caps from berries or flowers? Or both?? Where do you get your hawthorne? Online or through a brick n mortar store? Sorry for so many questions, but I'd like to try to replicate your results...the extract I have is quite pricey...
We bought Spring Valley Hawthorn Berries at Meijer, which is a big chain grocery. I think the bottle of 100 pills was on sale for about six dollars?
ETA: I will say to you what everyone said to me, best to ask your doctor before changing your medication.
I was not on bp meds but mine was creeping up. Husband was but he decided the side effects were unacceptable and he was on nothing and his bp had gotten really high again--diastolic was 117 the day before he started the hawthorne. It has been in the 80's and 70's since, and all he is taking now is the hawthorne. Again, he had stopped his meds all by himself, so I sure don't recommend that.
HappyHiker
1-26-19, 8:06pm
We bought Spring Valley Hawthorn Berries at Meijer, which is a big chain grocery. I think the bottle of 100 pills was on sale for about six dollars?
ETA: I will say to you what everyone said to me, best to ask your doctor before changing your medication.
I was not on bp meds but mine was creeping up. Husband was but he decided the side effects were unacceptable and he was on nothing and his bp had gotten really high again--diastolic was 117 the day before he started the hawthorne. It has been in the 80's and 70's since, and all he is taking now is the hawthorne. Again, he had stopped his meds all by himself, so I sure don't recommend that.
Thanks so much..good advice....I hear you!
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