At the Palpitations they are so-called extrasystoles that originate in the atrium or the chamber of the heart. Although they are generally harmless in a structurally healthy heart and - except for high levels of suffering - do not require treatment, the heart sensations perceived as dropouts or stumbling trigger insecurity or fear in many people. If a doctor has ruled out a heart disease, there are a number of home remedies for those affected to combat the annoying palpitations. However, if you suspect you have serious heart disease, home remedies should be avoided and a cardiologist should be consulted.
Which home remedies help against palpitations?
Large meals should be a rarity for heart palpitations, if not completely eliminated from the menu.
In the best case, effective self-help in the case of heart stumbling starts 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 stressful situations as well as nervousness and lack of sleep.
A consistent change in life that avoids the triggers or reduces them as much as possible, in many cases already leads to a significant reduction in the often unpleasant tripping attacks. With regard to nutrition, it is advisable to eat a wholesome diet that is as low in sodium as possible, and to drink sufficient amounts. People with heart palpitations should also avoid overeating meals, as otherwise a large amount of blood is required for digestion.
A typical trigger of an extrasystole is also the so-called Roemheld's syndrome, in which air and gas accumulations in the digestive tract push the diaphragm upwards and thus trigger reactive cardiac arrhythmias. If the cause of the palpitations is a lack of magnesium or potassium, these substances can be supplied through a conscious diet or dietary supplements. Potassium, which is of great importance in terms of heart rhythm, is found in nuts and bananas, for example. In the case of potassium intake via food supplements, however, the specified daily doses must not be exceeded under any circumstances, as too high a potassium intake can trigger dangerous cardiac arrhythmias.
Especially with nervous patients or people who sweat a lot or do sports, a conscious diet containing 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 stumbling. Omega-3 fatty acids and coenzyme Q10 also have a positive effect on the heart rhythm.
Quick help
If you have a sudden heart attack, there are a few home remedies and tricks that can help you quickly. The best known is the so-called Vasalva maneuver, in which - as with pressure equalization in an airplane, one breathes against the compressed nostrils with the mouth closed.
This pressing attempt can often stabilize the heart rhythm within seconds by changing the blood pressure. Conscious coughing can have a similar effect. In many cases, palpitations can also be stopped with cold water on the face or wrists and a swig of cold water. For those affected who cannot stop the palpitations with these methods, the main thing is to stay calm and learn to deal with the extrasystoles.
The individual coping strategies are a matter of type. It often helps to be able to take a little break from everyday life and to keep in mind that the doctor has certified that the heart failure is harmless. If you run the risk of fixing yourself too much on your lost heart in a calm position, you should take a walk to distract yourself before the palpitations panic.
You can find your medication here
➔ Medicines for cardiac arrhythmiasAlternative remedies
If you want to fight your heart stumbling with alternative remedies and methods, you can get professional advice from a naturopath or a pharmacy specializing in natural medicine. While remedies from classical homeopathy have to be used according to the type and are best selected by the naturopath, it is worth trying the Schüßler salts yourself.
Salt number 5 (Kalium phosphoricum) and - especially for stressed and nervous people - salt number 7 (Magnesium phosphoricum) - both in the potency D6 are helpful for heart stumbling. In addition to using soothing medicinal plants such as valerian or St. John's wort, it is also worth trying out aromatherapy for those affected by extrasystoles. 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 the palpitations with physical activity, there are some helpful forms of exercise that can be selected depending on the type.
Regular endurance training without performance ambitions is beneficial for the cardiovascular system. If you prefer a calm and relaxing atmosphere, you can try autogenic training or yoga to gain the necessary serenity against palpitations.