Hi Sue225! At age 46, I was on beta blockers for the worst case of Afib my cardiologist had ever seen. I was on Sotalol max dose of 320 mg per day for almost 2 years and felt horrible!. The doctor tried to have me lower what he considered to be a dangerous dose but my heart would flip out. I was like an old lady, with no energy and psychologically feeling like I was fragile and handicapped. I would ask my husband to do everything because I was too 'sick'.
One day I decided to do some research and read that lowered estrogen can cause arrhythmias. I asked my doctor for estrogen and my Afib stopped completely; slowly (important). But the gynaecologist said not to take estrogen unopposed; that is without progesterone because it can cause cancer in reproductive organs. So I took progesterone and the Afib returned but not so bad. So I was back on a lower dose of beta blockers with the estrogen and progesterone.
I read some more and learned that regular exercise (not walking but aerobic) could stabilize the heart. I joined a gym and went every day but Sunday and inside a month I was off the beta blockers, estrogen and progesterone. My cardiologist couldn't believe it and told me that it would not last. For 4 more months, being highly motivated to stay off the drugs, I kept up the daily (but Sunday) treadmill routine plus stretches etc... I have been fine ever since and it is now 24 years later!
I NEVER drink coffee or tea, alcohol or coke..and even sugary foods. I try to avoid stressful situations. I don't take decongestants, regular dental anesthesia or any supplement with any stimulant (i.e. gingko biloba). I do get the occasional blip which reminds me to get on my treadmill. And I hope to avoid ever taking any drug for the rest of my life.
LIFESTYLE changes CAN turn your health and life around.