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Ginseng

Hi Robert:

It's a known cause, more so for atrial fibrillation (AF) than for atrial flutter (AFl). After stopping a dietary supplement/herb, and if the dietary supplement/herb hasn't caused any permanent damage (resulting in an iatrogenic condition occurring, such as an arrhythmia) to an organ, such as the the heart, the problem should resolve.

Take care

CardioStar*

Advocate for Heart Health

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Be well-informed

Ginseng Interaction

Because of the risk of unwanted interactions, don't take ginseng with MAO inhibitors (drugs primarily used to treat depression), antipsychotics, diabetes medications, heart disease medications, high blood pressure medications, diuretics (furosemide in particular), or oral Corticosteroids.

Consult with your doctor if you have any questions.

Ginseng may increase the risk of overstimulation and stomach upset when taken with methylphenidate (Ritalin) and other nervous system stimulants.

Consuming large amounts of caffeine or other stimulants while taking ginseng can result in nervousness, sleeplessness, elevated blood pressure, and other complications.

Caution

Avoid ginseng if you have an acute illness, uncontrolled high blood pressure, an irregular heart rhythm, or if you are pregnant.

Because the effects of long-term use of ginseng remain to be carefully examined, avoid using it for more than three months at a stretch.

Ginseng is a stimulant, so don't take it too close to bedtime.

Higher than commonly recommended doses may cause nervousness, insomnia, headache, skin eruptions, stomach upset, and increased menstrual bleeding and breast tenderness. If you experience any of these reactions, reduce your dose or stop taking the herb.

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Atrial fibrillation (AF)

During AF, electrical signals in the atria occur in a very fast, uncontrolled, and chaotic manner so that the atria quiver instead of contract. This produces ineffective and disorganized atrial contractions. These disorganized electrical signals then arrive at the ventricles in an irregular fashion.

Atrial flutter (AFl)

During AFl, electrical signals in the atria are abnormally fast. Unlike AF, which the upper chambers beat erratically, in AFl the upper chambers beat rapidly but regularly.

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It's your future......be there.

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