16 replies to this topic

[realtyman95]

Is there any data showing resveratrol being a trigger for atrial fibrillation? I only ask because I have not had an afib occurrence in over 4 months (for a while was having them every other week) yet I had one last night. I just started taking resveratrol about a week ago (200mg) and had just increased my dosage to 300mg. I stay away from known triggers (caffeine, alcohol, etc) and yesterday was no different. I'm hoping this was just a coincidence that my first afib episode also corresponded with my first day at 300mg. Any thoughts?

[2tender]

I dont know of any data that shows that, but people develop sensitivities to certain products such as this. It may not be related to Res. How do you know its atrial fibrillation? If it happens again I would stop the Res. and see.

[maxwatt]

Is there any data showing resveratrol being a trigger for atrial fibrillation? I only ask because I have not had an afib occurrence in over 4 months (for a while was having them every other week) yet I had one last night. I just started taking resveratrol about a week ago (200mg) and had just increased my dosage to 300mg. I stay away from known triggers (caffeine, alcohol, etc) and yesterday was no different. I'm hoping this was just a coincidence that my first afib episode also corresponded with my first day at 300mg. Any thoughts?

Judging by its inhibition of nf-Kappa-B, and other actions, resveratrol would be expected to prevent or reduce the severity of Atrial Fibrillation; however absent actual trials in patients, one cannot say for sure. It did protect against arhythmia in a rodent study and in an ex vivo human tissue study.

Resveratrol, a natural ingredient of grape skin: Antiarrhythmic efficacy and ionic mechanisms
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
Volume 340, Issue 4, 24 February 2006, Pages 1192-1199

Yan Zhanga, Yanyan Liua, Tao Wanga, Baoxin Lia, Houwei Lic, Zhiguo Wangd, , and Baofeng Yanga, b, ,
aDepartment of Pharmacology, Harbin Medical University, PR China
bBio-Pharmaceutical Key Laboratory of Heilongjiang Province-Incubator of State Key Laboratory, Harbin 150086, PR China
cDepartment of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, PR China
dResearch Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Canada

Received 10 December 2005. Available online 4 January 2006.
Abstract

Resveratrol has been demonstrated to produce a variety of biological actions. Accumulating line of evidence supported the view that resveratrol may exert protective effect on the cardiovascular system. The aim of the study was to assess the antiarrhythmic profile as well as electrophysiological properties of resveratrol. We observe the antiarrhythmic effect of resveratrol on aconitine induced rat arrhythmia, ouabain induced guinea pig arrhythmia, and coronary ligation induced rat arrhythmia animal models. Resveratrol significantly and dose-dependently increased the doses of aconitine and ouabain required to induce the arrhythmia indexes. In coronary ligation induced rat arrhythmia model, resveratrol shortened duration of arrhythmia, decreased incidence of ventricular tachycardia and mortality. Electrophysiological experiment revealed that resveratrol could shorten APD through inhibition of ICa and selective enhancement of IKs without an effect on IKr.

Keywords: Arrhythmia; Resveratrol; Arrhythmia animal model; Electrophysiological property

Experimental Biology and Medicine 233:558-574 (2008)
doi: 10.3181/0706-RM-155
© 2008 by the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine

Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Redox Signaling in Atrial Tachyarrhythmia

Alicja Bukowska*, Lorenz Schild, Gerburg Keilhoff, Daniel Hirte, Manfred Neumann*, Andreas Gardemann, Klaus Hinrich Neumann||, Friedrich-Wilhelm Röhl¶, Christof Huth#, Andreas Goette,1 and Uwe Lendeckel*,2,1
* Institute of Experimental Internal Medicine, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Pathobiochemistry, Institute of Medical Neurobiology, Division of Cardiology, || Division of Nephrology, ¶ Institute of Biometrics, and # Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ottovon-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany

To whom requests for reprints should be addressed at 2 University Hospital Magdeburg, Institute of Experimental Internal Medicine, Leipzigerstrasse 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany. E-mail: uwe.lendeckel at med.ovgu.de

Accumulating evidence links calcium-overload and oxidative stress to atrial remodeling during atrial fibrillation (AF). Furthermore, atrial remodeling appears to increase atrial thrombogeneity, characterized by increased expression of adhesion molecules. The aim of this study was to assess mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress–activated signal transduction (nuclear factor-B [NF-B], lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor [LOX-1], intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [ICAM-1], and hemeoxgenase-1 [HO-1]) in atrial tissue during AF. Ex vivo atrial tissue from patients with and without AF and, additionally, rapid pacing of human atrial tissue slices were used to study mitochondrial structure by electron microscopy and mitochondrial respiration. Furthermore, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunoblot analyses, gel-shift assays, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to measure nuclear amounts of NF-B target gene expression. Using ex vivo atrial tissue samples from patients with AF we demonstrated oxidative stress and impaired mitochondrial structure and respiration, which was accompanied by nuclear accumulation of NF-B and elevated expression levels of the adhesion molecule ICAM-1 and the oxidative stress-induced markers HO-1 and LOX-1. All these changes were reproduced by rapid pacing for 24 hours of human atrial tissue slices. Furthermore, the blockade of calcium inward current with verapamil effectively prevented both the mitochondrial changes and the activation of NF-B signaling and target gene expression. The latter appeared also diminished by the antioxidants apocynin and resveratrol (an inhibitor of NF-B), or the angiotensin II receptor type 1 antagonist, olmesartan. This study demonstrates that calcium inward current via L-type calcium channels contributes to oxidative stress and increased expression of oxidative stress markers and adhesion molecules during cardiac tachyarrhythmia.

FULL TEXT FREE

Edited by maxwatt, 08 February 2009 - 12:17 AM.

[Mixter]

Atrial fibrillation can also be hereditary, caused by genes responsible for tissue differentiation (PubMed: 12798584).
Risk factors ( http://www.medicinen.../page3.htm#toce ) include hyperthyroidism/stimulant increased heart rate,
but no indications that resveratrol could do anything in that direction, more the contrary (exercise/CR effect = lower heart rate).

Thoughts on treatment would be CoQ10, ALCAR/RALA, Fish Oil, Vitamin E, natural mild ACE inhibitors (Hawthorn).

A critical aspect of AF is if you'd get anticoagulants (in medium-advanced or persistent AF). On one hand, you'd want
as little anticoagulants as possible (since they block Vitamin K), on the other you would really have to watch supplement
intake as many are natural anticoagulants and will interact. It would come down to taking as much natural anticoagulants
like fish oil and vitamin E as possible to minimize eg. the warfarin or pentoxifylline, but doing it stable, as fluctuations in coagulation
can be dangerous. Just as a warning since combining supplements with this can be tricky, I don't expect that you'll need one.

[Lufega]

Not sure about the resveratrol but you should already be using magnesium and taurine.

[tunt01]

nuked

Edited by prophets, 28 April 2009 - 01:15 PM.

[tunt01]

i just wanted to add as an FYI to all other resveratrol users:

i also had an atrial fibrillation response to using the Nitro 250 / resveratrol (w/ tween) after 3-4 days. i cut it back to only using the 125 mg and the initial rush still was working/felt good, but later on my heart was going bananas. it was only a mild afib and i think it's slowly going away now that i've discontinued use for a few days.

but just a warning to anyone else w/ ischemia-risk, resveratrol may not be a clear cut answer.


i may try it again when i have better magnesium supplementation available (ordered).

Edited by prophets, 28 April 2009 - 04:41 PM.

[realtyman95]

Just an update to my original post. I have not had another afib episode since Feb and I have actually upped my dosage to 1g of X500. Been on it for a couple of months now without incident.

[tunt01]

Just an update to my original post. I have not had another afib episode since Feb and I have actually upped my dosage to 1g of X500. Been on it for a couple of months now without incident.

hrmm... this is good to know.

what other meds / supplements are you on out of curiosity? ace inhibitors / beta blockers, etc. ?

do you think it was just a situation where the heart was remodeling with higher mitochondria from the resveratrol?... after adjusting to the remodeling the afib stopped?

I ordered some magnesium orotate, and maybe will pick up the resveratrol again soon.

i was going to drop you a note, but the msg system is down due to the spammers.

thx for your note

-pro

[realtyman95]

hrmm... this is good to know.

what other meds / supplements are you on out of curiosity? ace inhibitors / beta blockers, etc. ?

do you think it was just a situation where the heart was remodeling with higher mitochondria from the resveratrol?... after adjusting to the remodeling the afib stopped?

I'm on a calcium channel blocker and beta blocker. I also take Magnesium Ultra, Co-Q10 and Sockeyed Salmon Oil. I have no idea what caused
or corrected the trigger.

In addition to the change in dose in the resveratrol, I also had changed from an extended release version of
Toprol (Metoprolol actually - which is a beta blocker) to the non-extended version, because of a temporary recall.) I ended up having two
incidents of afib during the two week period I was on the non extended release version. My doctor seems to think it was just a coincidence -
but who knows. So far so good with, no new afib episodes.

[katrina]

First, I want to say hi to everyone. I have been stopping by here every once in a while for the last few months. And I really love this site!

I read this post some time ago, and have been meaning to respond. Something similar happened to me. But with my PAT (paroxysmal atrial tachycardia) instead. Odd that we both had arrythmias set off.

At first I started off with the recommended dosage (2 pills) on the bottle. And all was well. But when I added an extra 2 pills, my long quiet PAT got set off. I even gave it a couple of extra days to see if it would settle. No luck... So then I changed my dosage to 3 pills a day. And still PAT problems. So then I went back to 2 pills again, and was fine.

Just recently, I tried one extra pill again, but it happened again.

What I am wondering is if perhaps it is an extraneous ingredient in the Walgreen pills that is doing this. I really want to take 500mg a day. And can't even get close. In case you need to know, I don't take any BP meds or heart rate regulators.

Anyways, I have decided to take a grape seed pill every day too. Since I can't tolerate a decent dosage of resveretrol. Does any one know if there are any combined positive or adverse effects? Fingers crossed that I can tolerate this addition.

BTW, the main positive side effect that I have noticed is softer, oily skin. I am WELL into middle age, and right now, my face is actually greasy feeling. Can't even tolerate face creams anymore due to this. I forgot how annoying greasy skin can be. But I definately ain't complaining. LOL.... The longer I can stave off my first wrinkle, the better.

Oh there is one other possible positive effect. I have had grey hair since my early twenties. Needless to say, when it is time to dye my hair, it has pure white roots. But this last time, my roots were an even mixture of dark and white hair. (Like in my twenties) This does me no good since I still have to dye my hair. But perhaps folks with prematurely grey hair could try this at a younger age to see if it gets reversed?

[4eva]

Resv is a polyphenol source. Polyphenols chelate copper. Both high copper and copper deficiency can effect heart rhythm.

[maxwatt]

Rewsveratrol does not bind copper in any meaningful way in vivo, only in high concentrations in a test tube. See THIS POST.

Secondly Walgreens product contains an insignificant amount of resveratrol. It uses a product called Resvinol. From Walgreens website:

Walgreens' Resveratrol features ResVinol-25, a concentrated, proprietary extract providing 25% trans-Resveratrol (the most potent form), and 20% red wine polyphenols.

Each 160 mg pill apparently contains contains only 40 mg of resveratrol. I had a chance to analyze Resvinol-25 several years ago. Besides 25% resveratrol, it contains 20% emodin which is a powerful laxative, and a comparable amount of physcion, another phsiologically active compound.

Atrial fibrillation has not been reported as a side-effect in published studies that specifically looked for side effects, but two other users here have reported the problem. In your case the amount of resveratrol is relatively low, but the amount of emodin is high enough to cause cramps and intestinal upset in most people, especially if more than the recommended dose is taken. Perhaps your problem is due to the impurities in Walgreen's product?

Edited by maxwatt, 12 June 2009 - 10:36 AM.

[katrina]

Maxwatt, I have understood all along that I was getting a somewhat small dose of resveretrol. That is why I wanted to increase my dosage. But then again, maybe I have the wrong idea, and super dosing is not needed. The darker hairs were truely unexpected by me at the dose I was taking. And when I was younger, overly oily skin was a curse that I had to deal with. (Thus no wrinkles even in middle age.) So it probably didn't take much to get me back to that point. Everyone is different. But this does have me intrigued as to what more would do. The more is better concept isn't always the best. But I would like to try. What woman doesn't want to find the fountain of youth?

Anyways, I am toying with the ide of trying a purer form. But tachycardia (PAT) is very uncomfortable, and mine does not go away with the normal bag of tricks. And I am concerned that I could set off a bout that would last months, or even longer. This is why I am taking my time in making a well informed decision.

Oh and BTW, my intestines are not affected at all. I even snack on prunes every day because I like them. Tastier than candy! YUM!!!!

Oh here is a thought... Could the Walgreens resveretrol contain caffeine or a similar substance?

Edited by katrina, 13 June 2009 - 05:30 AM.

[maxwatt]

Maxwatt, I have understood all along that I was getting a somewhat small dose of resveretrol. That is why I wanted to increase my dosage. But then again, maybe I have the wrong idea, and super dosing is not needed. The darker hairs were truely unexpected by me at the dose I was taking. And when I was younger, overly oily skin was a curse that I had to deal with. (Thus no wrinkles even in middle age.) So it probably didn't take much to get me back to that point. Everyone is different. But this does have me intrigued as to what more would do. The more is better concept isn't always the best. But I would like to try. What woman doesn't want to find the fountain of youth?

Anyways, I am toying with the ide of trying a purer form. But tachycardia (PAT) is very uncomfortable, and mine does not go away with the normal bag of tricks. And I am concerned that I could set off a bout that would last months, or even longer. This is why I am taking my time in making a well informed decision.

Oh and BTW, my intestines are not affected at all. I even snack on prunes every day because I like them. Tastier than candy! YUM!!!!

Oh here is a thought... Could the Walgreens resveretrol contain caffeine or a similar substance?

It is well to increase dosage slowly and watch for untoward effects with any powerful supplement.

Very unlikely the Walgreen's supplement contains caffeine, but a number of people have reported caffeine-like, stimulaing effect from 50% extracts, and even more from grape polyphenol extracts,so that may be what is responsible for your tachycardia -- or for your hair-root color!

[katrina]

Thanx for your reply maxwatt. I am still deciding what my next step will be.

[katrina]

Just an update. I tried the 98% pure resv, and never experienced a single PAT episode from it.