Atrial Fibrillation: Naturopathic Medical Approaches to a Common Condition

Paul Richard Saunders, PhD, ND, DHANP

Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
1255 Sheppard Avenue East
North York, ON M2K 1E2
CANADA
416-498-1255 x 227
905-304-1664 Fax
psaunders@ccnm.edu

Oral Presentation:

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is estimated to symptomatically affect several million adults over 60 years
old, and 1 in 10,000 under 60 years old. Current estimates are that 25% of the population under
age 60 will develop chronic AF. It is considered a significant risk factor for stroke. Four known
lifestyle factors that can be controlled may determine if the condition becomes chronically
significant. A dozen or more health factors have been identified as an established risk for AF in
individuals or any age. Diagnosis is based on the results of a handful of tests or procedures.
Conventional treatment consists of drug therapy, cardioversion by medication or electric
cardioversion, various ablation procedures, and in some cases watchful waiting. The naturopathic
physician’s approach includes assessment of risk and lifestyle factors and their modification.
Amelioration of medication side effects can improve the quality of life in many patients. AF is
very amenable to botanical, nutritional, and homeopathic medical interventions.

This presentation will delineate the various risk factors and identify how they can be addressed
and reduced. The medications conventionally used involve several drug classes. These will be
presented with respect to their mechanisms, dosage range, benefits and side effects, and real or
potential interactions with ND treatments. The risks, benefits, and failure rates of cardioversion
and ablation procedures will be presented as patients should be fully aware of the high rate of
failure within the first year and subsequent health risks. Finally, effective naturopathic medical
treatments will be presented with supporting clinical and research evidence. Attendees should feel
confident that they can recognize the signs and symptoms of AF, establish a working diagnosis,
and develop an effective treatment and monitoring plan for their patients.

Pharmacy Discussion: YES

Target Audience: physicians and student clinicians treating patients with AF

Oral Presentation: could be done in 60 min (90 is always nice)—new presentation

Biographical Sketch:

Paul, Adjunct Professor of Materia Medica, CCNM, has a private practice in Dundas, Ontario,
Canada, earned a PhD in plant ecology from Duke University, was on the faculty at Clemson
University, and tenured at Washington State University. He earned his ND from Ontario (now
Canadian) College of Naturopathic Medicine, and did additional training and residency at
NCNM, earning a second ND, served as interim Research Director and initiated the Institutional
Review Board. Paul earned a DHANP and Certified Classical Homeopath (CCH) from the
American Council on Homeopathic Certification, 1993. He completed chelation board
examinations with the International College of Integrated Medicine, 1998. As Editor, The
Canadian Journal of Herbalism, 2000-2002, he instituted peer-review. He reviews grant
applications for the NIH-NCCAM, was honoured as Ontario Naturopathic Doctor of the Year,
1994, 2002, has co-authored two books, served as expert witness, conducted clinical research,
published numerous papers, and lectured frequently on naturopathic medicine.