Essential Oils for Complementing Arrhythmia Treatment

Understanding Heart Arrhythmia and Available Treatments

An estimated 2.7 million Americans live with some form of heart arrhythmia, an abnormal heartbeat or rhythm. Arrhythmias range greatly in severity, from benign to potentially life-threatening. Lifestyle changes, medications, medical procedures can help manage arrhythmia, but more people are also turning to complementary approaches like essential oils.

What Causes Arrhythmia?

Arrhythmias stem from interruptions in the hearts bioelectrical system that coordinates muscular contractions. Causes include:

• Coronary heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Congenital heart defects
• Viral infections
• Sleep apnea
• Electrolyte imbalances

Certain medications, caffeine, alcohol, and stress can also trigger arrhythmia episodes.

Symptoms of Arrhythmia

Many types produce no overt symptoms. When present, symptoms may involve:

• Fluttering sensations in chest
• Racing or slowed heartbeat
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fainting

Common Arrhythmia Conditions

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) caracterized by rapid, irregular beating stems from abnormal electrical signals in the atria. Episodes may come and go or become permanent. Though not always a major risk, AFib increases chances of stroke.

Bradyarrhythmia

A very slow heartbeat below 60 bpm constitutes bradyarrhythmia. Contributing factors include heart disease, thyroid disorders, electrolyte imbalance, and some medications. Mild forms may not require treatment.

Premature Contractions

Premature atrial or ventricular contractions manifest as early extra beats. PACs and PVCs as they're abbreviated are very common and typically benign. Stress and stimulants often serve as triggers.

When to See a Doctor

Consult your physician if you experience frequent or sustained palpitations, chest discomfort, fainting, shortness of breath not explained by other conditions, or symptoms interfering with normal activity. Routine ECG screening also helps detect issues.

Diagnosing Arrhythmia

Doctors utilize several diagnostic tools to evaluate arrhythmia:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) - Records heart rhythm and electrical activity
• Holter monitoring - Portable ECG device worn for 24-72 hours tracking symptoms
• Event recorders - Small portable ECG machines documenting sporadic symptoms
• Echocardiogram - Uses ultrasound to create images of heart structure evaluating function

Conventional Arrhythmia Treatment

Medications

Drug options attempt to control heart rate and rhythm or address underlying causes:

• Beta blockers - Slow rapid rhythms
• Calcium channel blockers - Relaxes blood vessels also slowing heart rate
• Sodium channel blockers - Prevent faulty electrical signals
• Blood thinners - Counter stroke risk associated with some arrhythmias

Pacemakers and ICDs

Those with bradyarrhythmias may get artificial pacemaker devices to stimulate the heartbeat. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) combat dangerous ventricular tachyarrhythmias via electric shocks resetting normal rhythm.

Catheter Ablation

In catheter radiofrequency ablation, thin flexible tubes inserted through blood vessels apply heat or freezing to scar faulty electrical pathways causing arrhythmia. Low recurrence rates but an invasive option.

Open Heart Surgery

Some patients undergo the MAZE surgical procedure using incisions in heart muscle combined with cryogenic freezing to reroute electrical signals into normal pathways.

Alternative Approaches to Managing Arrhythmia

Complementary therapies and lifestyle changes help improve arrhythmia symptoms and overall heart health. Always discuss such integrative interventions with your doctor.

Dietary Approaches

Adhering to a heart-healthy diet protects against some arrhythmia triggers like blood vessel damage and inflammation underlying heart disease:

• Lower cholesterol through avoiding saturated fats in meat and dairy and increasing plant sterols from nuts, seeds, whole grains, fruits and vegetables
• Increase omega-3s shown to benefit heart rhythm
• Reduce sodium
• Follow Mediterranean-style patterns emphasizing produce, legumes, olive oil, fish

Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements

Some supplements may aid arrhythmia, but proper dosing and physician approval is essential:

• Magnesium counters rhythm disturbances
• CoQ10 strengthens heart muscle function
• Hawthorn berry extracts act as mild beta blockers

Mind-Body Therapies

Relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness curb stress and anxiety changing nervous system dynamics to improve rhythm regulation:

• Diaphragmatic breathing triggers calming reflexes
• Mindfulness meditation fosters parasympathetic relaxation
• Yoga combines physical activity with meditative elements

Using Essential Oils to Complement Arrhythmia Treatment

Through influencing heart rate, blood pressure, and emotional state, aromatherapy using pure essential oils may aid overall arrhythmia management under a doctors supervision.

Lavender

The relaxing, anxiety-reducing properties of medical grade Lavandula angustifolia essential oil makes it a gentle first line option. Try diffusing lavender at home or adding a few drops to a warm bath before bed.

Frankincense

Boswellia sacra oil derived from frankincense tree resin demonstrates measurable cardio and central nervous system effects conducive to slowing rapid heart rates and controlling palpitations.

Bergamot

With documented ability to reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure, Citrus bergamia (bergamot orange) oil offers a well-rounded approach through balancing heart rhythm and emotions.

Marjoram

Containing multiple compounds that relax blood vessels and thin blood, sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana) oil may protect against clot formation contributing to some arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation.

Rose

Rose essential oil derived from Rosa damascena flowers relaxes breathing and psychological state to gently calm arrhythmia episodes triggered by anxiety or emotional upset.

Always dilute oils as directed and watch for skin reactions. Check for potential medication interactions since oils influence similar physiological pathways.

Creating an Integrative Arrhythmia Action Plan

Arrhythmia treatment works best as a multifaceted approach accounting for medical, emotional, and lifestyle dimensions. Track your individual triggers and symptoms to guide custom essential oil blends, stress reduction routines, dietary tweaks and nutraceutical supplements.

Commit to heart-healthy changes day-by-day, month-by-month to transform your rhythm patterns and overall wellness. With patience and support from your healthcare team, you can harness natural solutions to control arrhythmia and reclaim your active life.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.