Expert: Tonja Wells - 3/17/2006

Question
I have just been diagnosed with a heart condition called QTC.
I've been told I should be put on a prescription pill called Beta Blockers.
I would like to know of other Natural ways I can control this condition.
Do you know of any?
Thank you

Answer
Beta receptors are found in the heart and cardiovascular system.  Blocking these beta sites causes a slowing of the sinus heart rate.  This decreases cardiac output and blood pressure.  Because of their actions on heart rate, beta-blockers are often prescribed for other conditions besides hypertension.  

QTc
Patients with long QT syndrome develop a very fast heart rhythm disturbance known as "Torsade de pointes". This is a form of ventricular tachycardia. This rhythm is too fast for the heart to beat effectively, so the blood flow to the brain falls precipitously causing the sudden loss of consciousness. In most instances, there is no warning prior to syncope.

The duration of the QT-interval is a measure of the time required for depolarization and repolarization to occur. In long QT syndrome, the duration of repolarization is longer than normal. Thus, the QT-interval is prolonged. An interval above 440 milliseconds (msec) is considered prolonged. QT-prolongation in is due to overload of myocardial cells with positively charged ions during ventricular repolarization.

The first choice therapy in patients with long QT syndrome (LQTS) are beta-adrenergic blocking agents, called Beta blockers. By blocking the action of the sympathetic nervous system on the heart, beta blockers relieve stress on the heart; they slow the heart beat, lessen the force with which the heart muscle contracts, and reduce blood vessel contraction in the heart, thus preventing arrhythmias.  Other possibilities include implanted automatic defibrillator or more rarely a surgical intervention called cervical sympathectomy.
However, genetic studies have suggested new therapeutic approaches. Thus, sodium blockers may be useful in closing the leaky channels associated with sodium channel defects (SCN5A), thereby improving symptoms.

Laboratory-based studies suggest that high potassium diets may be useful preventing the arrhythmias resulting from channel defects caused by mutations in the potassium channel genes (KCNQ1 and KCNQ2). In addition, drugs that prolong the opening time of potassium channels are under investigation.

HAWTHORN -- Hawthorn berries are known f0r their ability to strengthen the heart.  Hawthorne berries lowers blood pressure by dialating blood vessels, including the cardiac arteries which feed blood to the heart muscle.  Most importantly here--Hawthorn also produces a slowing of the heart rate which adds to the effects on blood pressure.

CoQ10  is essential for proper heart function and also show great improvement in its ability to lessen ARRHYTHMIAS.  It by take a 2-3 a day of the 75 mg or the first month then possible reducing that amount. (MT to be sure)

L-Carnative is a great heart strengthener.

Vitamin E great for the heart.

MAGNESIUM  and POTASSIUM are the main minerals that regulate heart rthym and beat.

Omega-3 in high doses--maybe as many as 8-10 a day.  As you MT see if the DHA is better.  

Make sure that you are not using caffeine!  I think this is a real trigger.

You can learn more about these herbs and how to purchase them at
www.herbalhealthsolutions.4the.net