Brief Answer:
Possible other treatments (including natural treatments) with pros and cons explained below

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,

I carefully read your query and understand your concern.

I am going to mention below some alternative methods that have been used to treat AFib with the potential risks and cautions.

Recently, Yoga, acupuncture, and biofeedback are methods that have been found successful in some studies in treating AFib. Still, more studies are needed to have a more clear understanding of how they work but preliminary studies show some efficacy with little or no side effects.

Antioxidant treatments such as C and E and N-acetylcysteine are found to reduce the recurrence of AFib and can be used as an adjunctive treatment for AFib. Omega 3 supplements and food rich in omega 3 are not found to have an effect in AFib.

As for herbs, I am going to mention some but please be reminded that:
- most herbs that are effective in the case of AFib do contain chemicals similar or identical to the antiarrhythmic drugs we use to treat AFib.
- The problem is that they are not studied enough and the therapeutic effect or undesired effects are less predictable
- Also, because these herbs contain chemicals similar to already approved drugs, they may interact with other medications causing them to have a reduced effect or enhanced effect of these drugs. This is the case especially because they may interact with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs that are generally used to prevent clots in patients with AFib.

So, some of these herbs are:
- Wenxin Keli- is found quite effective in treating AFib and has very few side effects. it is thought to be a very promising drug but still more studies are needed.
- Shensongyangxin- is approved to treat rhythm problems in China. It is found effective in AFib and has very few side effects but more studies are needed in humans.
- Barberry: this is thought to have some effect in AFib and studies are so far conducted only in animals, there is a need for studies in humans to determine its effect and safety. This is a herb that can affect some liver enzymes involved in metabolism so it can interact with many medications and cause dangerous levels of these medications and increased risk for side effects.
- Cinchona contains quinine, a drug that is already used for rhythm problems. It generally has pronounced side effects and is not recommended to be used for AFib due to other safer treatments.
- Hawthorn: this is another herb that is found to have some effect in treating rhythm problems. There are not many studies related to its effect on AFib and it can affect anticoagulant or thrombolytic drug's effect.
- Motherwort similar to Hawthorn (not enough studies, interacts with platelets and fibrinogen and may increase the risk for bleeding while on anticoagulants)
- Khella is similar to amiodarone, another drug that is currently used for rhythm problems but is not studied enough to determine the medical effect and risks

Finally, you will need to discuss with your doctor on other drugs that can be used in your case as there are many alternatives to treat AFib. Rarely surgical procedures may be used to treat Afib if other treatments do not work. Also, if you have not had a TSH and FT4 checked to rule out thyroid problems I would advise you to do so as thyroid may affect the heart rhythm. Also, electrolytes in blood (Ca++, Na+, K+) are important to be checked and make sure they are normal.

I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.

I wish you good health.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician

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