Penn Herb Wellness Guide

Cardiac Arrhythmia

Also indexed as:Arrhythmia (Cardiac), Irregular Heartbeat, Atrial Fibrillation, Sick Sinus Syndrome, Supraventricular Premature Beats, Tachyarrhythmias (Cardiac), Ventricular Premature Beats
When your heart skips, you may feel dizzy or anxious. Although an irregular heartbeat is often harmless, it should be treated with care. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
  • Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
  • Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
  • For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

SupplementAmountWhy
Magnesium
384 mg daily3 stars[3 stars]
Supplementing with magnesium may help reduce the number of arrhythmic episodes.
Fish Oil
Do not take, or take only with a doctor's supervision, if there is a history of sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation2 stars[2 stars]
Fish oil has been shown to reduce the frequency of abnormal heartbeats in some trials.
Potassium
1,000 mg daily under medical supervision2 stars[2 stars]
In one study, people taking hydrochlorothiazide for high blood pressure saw a significant reduction in arrhythmias when they supplemented with potassium.
Copper
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Supplementing with copper may reduce the frequency of abnormal heartbeats.
Corydalis
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
An active constituent in corydalis, dl-tetrahydropalmatine, may have an anti-arrhythmic effect on the heart.
Hawthorn
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Hawthorn has been used traditionally to reduce the frequency of arrhythmias.
Selenium
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Supplementing with selenium may improve many arrhythmias.
Vitamin D
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
One case report described relief from a type of arrhythmia after supplementing with vitamin D.

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.