Expert ReplyCondition analysis:
It is very dependent on the kind of arrhythmia to which you're referring. An arrhythmia is any heart rhythm that is not normal. Based on the way you describe it as an "attack", your friend probably has a tachycarrhythmia, meaning an arrhythmia which causes the heart to beat too fast rather than too slow.
The more common (and generally less dangerous) sort are supraventricular arrhythmias which arise from the top chambers of the heart. Some of these can be terminated with something called the Valsalva maneuver which increases vagal nerve stimulation and slows down conduction through the heart's electrical system. This is what doctors are trying to get you to do when they tell you to "strain like you are having a bowel movement". Others will tell you to plug your mouth with your thumb and blow. Another way is to give a few good coughs.
Valsalva is generally NOT useful for terminating arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Ventricular arrhythmias are a whole different story and can be life threatening!
In any case, the best thing to do is tell him to ask his doctor. If he knows what the specific arrhythmia is, he can answer your question best.
Instructions:
Acetyl-L-carnitine: This arrhythmia home remedy is used in Europe as a treatment for cardiac arrhythmia. If you are feeling some of the symptoms of arrhythmia, then you should visit your doctor and make all tests needed for this disease. Talk with your doctor about your signs and symptoms. He or she will recommend you how much of acetyl-L-carnitine you should intake. In this modern era, acetyl-L-carnitine is getting bigger place. It is used as a natural remedy for heart arrhythmia not only in Europe, but also worldwide.