[Note: This post is part of a larger series about the The Best Cures and Remedies for Heart Palpitations]
If there was one supplement that I would recommend that you take to help cure, manage, or stop your heart palpitations, it would be magnesium. When I was researching possible cures to help my awful heart palps, by far the most frequently stated cure for just about any type of irregular heartbeat was magnesium. I even read that if you go to the hospital for a panic attack or suspected heart related issue the first thing they do is start you on a magnesium drip. Comment after comment, article after article, would list magnesium as the best place to start when you have heart palpitations. Some said it completely stopped their heart palpitations, others said it reduced them drastically. So of course magnesium was one of the first supplements I tried when my palpitations were out of control.
My Magnesium Mistake
Unfortunately, I made a mistake on my first purchase. Apparently a pretty common one too. I had no idea that there were different forms of magnesium and it was important which one you took. If I remember right, I just went to Walmart and grabbed the cheapest bottle of magnesium I could find. I started taking it and didn’t really see much benefit. It wasn’t till later that I read about the different forms and purposes of magnesium (I plan on writing more about the different types of magnesium soon). I finally ended up with a type of magnesium I like (it blends taurate, glycinate, and malate). It’s called Triple Calm Magnesium, but I explain more below why I like it so much.
The Benefits of Magnesium for Heart Palpitations
Most of our diets are insufficient in magnesium. Unfortunately, that can cause a lot of issues since magnesium plays a role in over 300 different chemical reactions in the body. And a number of studies have shown that a deficiency in magnesium contributes to a number of mental and physical health issues, including…wait for it…heart palpitations.
Magnesium is an often forgotten electrolyte, so when we are deficient in that area it can throw off our heart rhythm. Stress levels plays a role as well. Studies have shown that periods of extreme stress can also greatly reduce our magnesium levels.
So if your magnesium levels are too low, you can experience muscle cramps, heart palpitations, and even sudden death (yikes!). We can, and should, get our magnesium naturally (though vegetables, leafy greens, etc) but we rarely make it to our daily suggested allowance which is between 300-420mg depending on your age. So that is why I take a magnesium supplement.
My Favorite Type of Magnesium for Heart Palpitations
As mentioned above, I tried a cheap type of magnesium (it was magnesium oxide, which doesn’t absorb well) and then tried a magnesium citrate powder (which wasn’t that bad but when taken regularly or in high quantity it has a laxative effect – hello disaster pants!!), so I finally switched to a blend of magnesium taurate, glycinate, and malate. Magnesium Taurate has been shown to be a great support for cardiovascular functions, Magnesium Glycinate is supposedly wonderful for relaxation and Magnesium Malate is great for muscle and nerve function. All are highly absorbable and easy on your stomach. Yay! I’m sure there are a lot of good magnesium supplements out there, but I really like Triple Calm and highly recommend it. I can definitely tell a difference when I take it. My heart palpitations aren’t as bad and I feel like I sleep better too which is wonderful.
How about you? Have you tried magnesium? Do you find it helpful?
I had a blood test after palms started and I was a little bit low on magnesium levels. I started using glycinate because my doctor suggested that kind as it absorbs better but your article inspired me to look into the blend you mention. Thanks for reviving the blog lately, I have found that there is not a lot of palpitation info out there.
Thanks Troy! I appreciate the encouragement. I’m going to try and be more consistent with the blog now that my workload is a little lighter! I hope Triple Calm helps you as well!
Your story is similar to mine. My doctor suggested magnesium oxide which had little effect but a trip to the bathroom. Same thing when I researched the other forms of mag. I tried citrate and it helped some. But I was losing a lot of it by the bathroom trips! I had bought the malate form a few months earlier but was afraid to take it and it just kind of sat there awhile then I had had enough. My palpitations were back in full swing so in February I took the malate form and it is super! No problems running to the bathroom. I know I mentioned in an earlier comment about the malate. I had researched this stuff two or three years ago but I guess it took me a lot to convince myself I needed to take it everyday. Previously I had taken it on occasion. Now and then I get palps when I’m tired or nervous but its not as bad. I hope more ppl can be helped if they are able to take magnesium with their heart issues.
That’s great! I’m so glad that you found a magnesium that helps you too. I definitely wish that I could have figured all this out a lot sooner in my journey. Thanks for sharing a little bit of your story! I know others will find it helpful!
If my problem was a Death Star, this article is a photon topoder.
How do you leave off Archie Goodwin, sidekick to Nero Wolfe. Totally likeable and very well developed. Like Watson, the story is told through Archie's eyes.
Hi Tom. Thanks for sharing.
My 2 cents: In order to have some help from science, I went for mineral/toxic element analysis
The sample was a flock of hair. I know some people doubt of this method but I gave it a go.
The result showed an array of minerals and pollutants, indicating its quantities vs the “normal range”.
Without making this too long about me: Cobalt was high (which was suggested as cardio-toxic). I tried to remove it through liver cleanses and homeopathy. I am not sure which one of those worked out, but my cobalt was significantly reduced the time I re-did the test.
Another supplement I took and seemed to be beneficial was tryptophan.
Having said this: I think each arrhythmia is different and that what worked for me might not work for someone else…
I am not a doctor, this is not medical advice (just my personal experience).
All the best for everyone!!
Thankyou for the advice, sounds great. I will definitely give it a go 😊
I was suffering from PVC attack and my first attack was over about 1 year ago. I went to see my GP and he put me on high blood pressure medication as my blood pressure was high. Then the attack went away, and I also started to execrise quite regularly, like almost everyday running for 3 miles on the threadmill. Until recently in Apr 16 this year that I have overexerted myself and the PVC attacks came very often. So I got scared and stop execrising and went to see a cardologist. He done a whole series of test on me such as static ECG, stress ECG, ultrasound scan and CT scan and concluded that my PVC attack is mild and no medication is required. He told me that my heart is in good condition and advise me to start to execrise again by walking. So I started execising again by walking on the threamill, and just for a mile walk, my heart was pumping like 140 bpm, there after I stop and my heart recovery was quite bad, it was like over 100bpm even after an hour rest. I am getting nervous and I do some research and it seems like maybe taking magnesium supplement might help me reduce my heart rate. I am wondering should I start to take the magnesium supplement stated here. Any advice?
Thanks for sharing a little bit of your story SL Ben! I’m sorry to hear that you have had such a rough time with your heart palpitations, but I’m glad to hear that your cardiologist found your heart in good condition! I’m not sure about magnesium for your situation but it seems like it could help, but definitely run it by your cardiologist and see what he thinks. There also my be a better type for your situation (I don’t know) so it may be good to run it by him. I wish I could help more! Keep us posted and I hope you feel better soon!
Hi Ben,
Do you think to suffer of anxiety during the exercise or in general during the day? What’s your age?
I can tell a bit of my story since I had similar issue doing even light workout.
I’m 35 and I had a story of anxiety/panic attack and hypocondria. Of course I have extrasystoles like all of you 🙂
During my worst times (about 2 years ago) I was unable to walk for 30min without feeling out of breath, dizzy and with rapid heartbeat.
Of course I was concerned and anxious for what I was feeling, I was checking my heartbeat and other parameters very often and I remember clearly that, like you, my heartrate was over 135 for a moderate walk and over 110 standing still at rest.
In my case this was all due to anxiety and costant fear of some health problem…for comparison now when I’m feel ok and relaxed I can run easily everyday my heartrate is 70 standing still and 48-50 resting on the bed.
Keep in mind also that the recovery heart rate time after cardio exercise will get better with training and training.
How did you get this to change? Please let me know. Now, I walk daily and at times, fast. (Not a runner however) and my resting heart rate can be like 80-100, while sleeping it can go low and after walking it’s heart palp one right after another. EKG and Dr visit done – was told they are bengin (spelling?) and nothing to worry about and they could give me BB’s but my blood pressure already runs low (108/68) and I am otherwise healthy. How did you change it all????? I want to know your secret.
Hi Sue,
I’m my case it’s all about prolonged anxiety and panic attacks so I first ask to you: are you usually calm/relaxed or suffer from anxiety disorders or stress?
Keep in mind also that everyone have a slight different resting heartrate and generally is higher on women.
In last 2014 my hypochondria was so bad that I had to take antidepressant for 1,5 years and along with a cognitive theraphy was able to recover…now I’m off medications from april but in those last 2 months I started to get panic attacks and general anxiety again.
That’s probably a rebound effect but this time I’m resolute to NOT enter again in the antidepressant loop and try reach the root of my mental issues with mindfulness meditation, reading self improvement books, exercise regularly, eat healthy, keeping my mind away from destructive thoughts and in the present and having more satisfying social relations …all things that I’ve a bit neglected in those last years.
Maybe I also return to a psychotherapist or search for a personal coach/mentor for better support…I think that those are the objectives I really need to stick for solve my problems.
Anyway If your pvc are benign and stress related imho is better to not take any BB unless they are very numerous and a heavy burden to you.
Hi Ben
I’ve had SVT palpitations for many years. It clicks in (often in bed) at 132 bpm resting- and when OK (after anywhere from a few seconds to 36 hours!) clicks back out to 80 -90. I never exercise while having palpitations – just rest as much as possible.
Recently the attacks have been coming in clusters.
I have found taking a daily dose of ionic Mg works generally as a good preventative for me without the laxative effect you can get with other forms of Mg- see https://www.amazon.com/Good-State-minerals-magnesium-elemental/dp/B005PFK3YS/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1487282818&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=magnesium+ionic&psc=1
However, I have also been experimenting with taking it DURING an attack to see if it calmed things down BUT if anything found that doing so makes it WORSE – with the palpitations feeling stronger and lasting longer.
I wonder if it’s a bit like trying to close the door after the horse has bolted…
But once I am back to normal, the Mg does appear to offer something as a preventative.
Hope that distinction helps some people with their use of Mg.
I am beyond thrilled that I found you!!!!! Thank you for taking to time to create this site. I’ve been so stressed with these blasted palpitations and so frustrated that my Doctor wasn’t overly concerned. It’s so scary when you don’t know what’s wrong with you Xbox your heart does this!!! I’m in the preliminary stages…supposed to do a 24 hour heart monitor next week and wish it was now. This website has been a lifesaver. I’m definitely starting on magnesium ASAP! 🙂
I am so glad to have found this blog and all the good info, research and comments by others. I started to suffer palpitations a few months ago. My acupuncturist was the first to alert me . I have had the 24 holter monitor, it showed 33% of the heart was beating fast .I refuse to take meds at 47 yrs of age. I’m having an event monitor for 2 wks on July 29 .I take magnesium on and off but will definitely take it on a regular basis. I suffer from chronic sinus and truly believe there is correlation between my palpitations and the sinus .
I have been dealing with heart palps for 7 months. Before they began I was prescribed Ranitidine, an ant-acid for my stomach problems. I took 300mgs in the morning, and 300mgs before bed. I never had a problem for 3 years, then one night 7 months ago my heart went nuts. I was scared, I went to the doctor did the EKG, did the holter monitor, my heart checked out fine. I found out about magnesium 6 months ago and that helped, but the palps returned in force 3 weeks ago when I started using Zantac, which is Ranitidine. Magnesium would not help and I started to freak out, magnesium was the only thing keeping me sane and free of serious heart palps. Then I went to Wikipedia and typed in Zantac, and the page for Ranitidine popped up. I looked at the Adverse effects and was shocked to see it said. Cardiovascular: Arrhythmias such as tachycardia, bradycardia, atrioventricular block, and premature ventricular beats have also been reported. I stopped taking Ranitidine Last Saturday Morning and I have’nt had a single missed beat. I’m not saying this is a cure for me, I’ts too early to say, but if you are on Ranitidine, zantac or another drug with Ranitidine in it, stop taking it and see if your condition improves. I’ll up date if something changes.
Omg I am in shock. I’ve been taking Zantac for years maybe that’s what causes my never ending Palos.. I thought they were caused by proton pump inhibitors not antacids. This is unreal. Okay I have to get off of these but what will I use for my reflux? I love this site so much I don’t know what I would do without it. I’m also waiting for the triple calm magnesium can’t wait to try it.
I think that proton pump inhibitors cause the same problem. A few months ago I did research and it can deplete magnesium in the body. Magnesium contributes to the proper rhythm of our heart. Although I have had these PCPs of my heart since age ten.(I’m 41)three months after my doctor put me on acid blockers my heart palpitations escalated.It seems now I am dependent on consistent magnesium supplement everyday or they start to bother me.I quit the acid blockers completely. Of course I need to go back to my cardiologist soon. I’m just so tired of Everytime I complain about the palps all he dies is send me home and increase beta blockers but I can’t tolerate too much of it. He won’t try other meds. I’ve been seeing him since 2009. I’m not doing anymore holter monitors. I have to take care of myself.
I started taking Pepcid AC, I looked on wikipedia and there were no adverse side effects. I take a 20mg tablet in the morning and one at night. It’s been 3 weeks since I stopped taking Zantac, and everything is going great, no palps. I’ll keep updating.
Thanks for the advices Tom! I’ve had palps (extra systoles) for a few years now. I’m a bodybuilder and I never stopped working out. My doctor said I shouldn’t worry, just have a ECG every year. But we all know how scary it is. Regards! Jay (Brazil)
Hi. I don’t seem to be able to fin this in the UK. Can I take individually?? TIA
I take Calcium Citrate and I do think it helps calm my weird combination of arrhythmias a little bit. I take it for my bones too, because I have osteoporosis. I was diagnosed with dysautonomia by two cardiologists who work in conjunction with each other–one of them is an electrophysiologist. I get PAC’s, SVT’s, some PVC’s, and atrial fibrillation, along with tachycardia and bradycardia. Sometimes my heart is so whacked out that I need an ambulance ride into the hospital for a quick i.v. dose of Lopressor to stabilize it. I don’t handle beta blockers well because of my already low heart rate and bp (my resting heart rate when I wake up can be as low as 45 and my bp, on a regular day, is around the 90/60 mark, but it can go up to 145/95 (that’s the autonomic nervous system misbehaving). When these things are related to dysautonomia treatment can be pretty difficult. I hate it. This has really affected my life greatly. I’m 55 and I can no longer do aerobic exercise. Some days I can’t do anything because of the frequency of my rhythm disturbances. It’s crazy. Fortunately I have a cardiologist who is on the ball. He has inserted a loop recorder in my chest, which automatically picks up abnormal rhythms and then transmits them at night while I”m sleeping. I can wear it for up to three years, and I have a little device that I can use if I get one of the larger episodes that makes me come close to passing out. That’s what we’re hoping for so I can see if another ablation attempt is possible, or if we just end up agreeing on a pacemaker. I also have a muscle bridge that I never knew I had–it’s where an artery in the heart is laying underneath muscle, which can put a kink in it and can cause some issues if it’s bad enough. My doctor said it was benign a year and a half ago, but now it might have to be reinvestigated as a possible source of trouble. Anyway, that’s my story. 🙂
Thank you sharing your story. Our symptoms of PSVT, PAC and others have certainly put a toll on our lives. This is a great support group.
(triple calm magnesium) Please Please, Where can I get it! Please tell me where I can get it, I need it Now. I have tried the spray it works, I am out and it takes weeks to ship, but I want and NEED the TRIPLE CALM MAGNESIUM, Where can I get it! I have heard everything about it, BUTN WHERE CAN I GET IT! Please HELP me.
Hi Suzie,
Where are located right now?
Hi, I am in North Dakota, Dickinson, Do you know where to get this product? (triple calm magnesium) it is a tablet or a capsule, I have the spray (ease) magnesium spray from activation products and I am almost out and want to try the (Triple Calm Magnesium) as people on this chat page say it works!
Sorry I thought you were from EU country, anyway since the triple calm seem currently unavailable you could try another magnesium supplement that have taurate, glycinate, and malate
What then should I look for, there are so many different ones for Magnesium! I wanted to try this so very much, Why is it not available in the states? AND thanks for any help, I do appreciate it!
Not sure why it’s not available .I’ve been taking Can-Prev Bis-Glycinate 200 mg in capsule once a day. It’s really helped with bringing my palpitations down. Look up the reviews and even email the company with your questions. Good luck.
Anyway the kind of magnesium that should have some proprierties in regulating the heartbeat is the taurate (specifically the taurine component), I suggest to search principally a supplement that have this one
Suzie, You can get it on Amazon. Just put in the search on Amazon: Triple Calm Magnesium. Perhaps you have found it by now since it is now Nov 3rd.
Hi can you get it at gnc? Or Walgreens ?
Hi can you get it at gnc? Or Walgreens ? My palps come and go sometimes they get so bad I end up panicking and make the worse. I had to take a beta blocker. Would like to try triple calm.
Get it on Amazon.
Triple Calm has been very helpful, thanks. Any idea how much is too much or how to determine? Also, Cardiologist is talking about a Cardiac Ablation to correct PVC. I’m not too keen on having that done. Any feedback from those you know who have had that procedure?
I would just like to add to the comment about Triple Calm Magnesium supplement. I used a bottle of this and my pals went away completely. I then switched to a cheaper Mag supplement and they returned within a week. After switching back they went away after a week. I am 220 pounds, exercise 5 days a week and take 900 mg daily and it seems to do the trick. DONT GO CHEAP ON SUPPLEMENTS.
Just to follow up. I cut back to 600 mg and my palps returned. Went back to 900 mg and they subsided. Looks like 900 mg daily split into 4 different times is the ticket for me.
First thanks so much for having this thread/blog. It’s simply wonderful knowing that you are not the only one with pvc’s and palpitations out there. For reference I’m 34, petite build 116 lbs. exercise randomly and eat pretty healthy.
The night before last was the strangest palp I’ve ever had, felt like it was going to skip a beat…. Then BAM BAM BAM BAM!!! About 6-8 super rapid HARD beats then my rate went up to maybe 130? I didn’t hurt, but I gripped my chest the second it started and my bf goes “what’s wrong?” I say “MY HEART MY HEART!!!!!” And he threw his hand up to my neck to feel my pulse and he says ” why is it beating so fast???”
Needless to say, I went into a full panic attack. Worst I’ve ever had. The impending feeling of doom as I just sat there waiting for another possible flutter in my chest.
Long story short, it went back to normal but my nerves haven’t haha. I just ordered the triple calm on Amazon 1 min ago. I’ll start taking it when it comes and I’ll leave an update after a while! Again thanks for your advice and info!!
I’m sold on taking magnesium, but still deciding which kind and the dosage. (for heart afib and other heart issues) Dosages are not mentioned much here. RDA is about 420 mg per day, but what really does that mean? If only part is absorbed and you get some from food, then what is the supplemental dosage? One person takes 900mg and another takes 300. I’m confused on this and don’t want to overdose.
I started having heart palpitations just 4 days ago. Never had anything like this before and I was freaking out. I read up on my symptoms and it seems like what I’m experiencing are heart palpitations or PVC. Read about magnesium deficiency as a possible cause so I’ll try these pills out. I was about to run out to my local pharmacy and just grab a bottle of magensium pills but so glad I found out about these. Too bad I’ll have to wait until they ship out from Amazon.
Here’s a question for you guys: does anyone have this problem where you’re in bed and you’re getting this feeling of drifting off to sleep, you will wake up all of a sudden, feeling like a surge of adrenaline just shot through you? It’s kinda like a hypnic jerk that pretty much everyone gets once in a while but only this thing will keep occurring for at least 1-2 hours. It ONLY happens when I’m in bed trying to sleep. Every few minutes or so when I’m about to drift off to sleep, WHAM, I’m wide awake again. For some reason, I don’t see many people mentioning this symptom.
I have this on rare occasions.
Has anyone tried Iodine to stop the palps? I have looked over what I am doing and basically the only thing that I could be deficient in is iodine. Never been a salt lover and don’t eat too much fish.
After having a holter monitor that showed 2,000 PVCs per day, I had a stress test and echocardiogram which were both excellent. The cardiologist started me on a low does of Toprol which helped a little but made it difficult to raise heart rate for exercise, plus I gained weight. So I told him about about magnesium. The doc pooh-poohed it but said it would not hurt. I stopped the beta blocker and started 500 MG of Mag per day. I still have PVC’s but far less than before, and I definitely notice after a day or two if I stop taking the magnesium. The proof is in the pudding. The magnesium helps at least as much as the Toprol did and I am not taking a drug.
What is a suggestion on dosage? I bought it and not sure if I should take what it says on the bottle or if I should take more? Thanks for any ideas. Also how long before I should see some results? Have palps all day for 3 weeks out of the month. It’s aweful and I believe stress and hormone related. Dr. Says they are benign.