Aspirin

You're right; it's my prerogative. However, even 81 mg of aspirin makes me prone to getting black and blue, and as long as it's working, I'm staying with it.

Yes, I'm only on 100 mg aspirin every second day because my CHA2DS-VASc Stroke-Risk score is 1 and I'm a fit 67-years-old.  I made this decision a couple of years ago after much internet research.

Aspirin reduces stroke risk almost half as much as NOACs, while both increase bleeding risk.  Aspirin, however, has a number of other benefits, including reduced risk of common cancers.  Beyond 75-years-old, aspirin is much less attractive than NOACs. 

A recent study, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170317131550.htm, found blood thinners have little benefit for low-risk atrial fibrillation patients.  In the US, I understand that NOACs are not usuallly prescribed for a CHA2DS-VASc of 1 or less.

Age has nothing to do with blood thinners. Having AF puts you at an increased risk of stroke. Aspirin is found not to prevent stroke.

The NOACS ( new blood thinners) help to prevent stroke by keeping your blood thin.

They also have nasty possible side effects, they can cause fatal bleeding,so we with AF are between a rock and a hard place.

It can depend on how often and for how long you get episodes of AFib.

i get them 2-3times a month, sometimes more sometimes less. Extremely fast and chaotic heart rate, dizzy, chest pain, nausea, fainting, short of breath. Last from 4 to 12 hours.

I'm taking the blood thinner rather than risk a stroke.

Its complicated and you need to have a talk with a competent Cardio who know his business and is honest about the medication and then make up your own mind. Good luck.

mary 1213 -  I used to take aspirin until I was diagnosed with AF - I was then taken off aspirin and given Xarelto which is a blood thinner.  I had serious isssues with this and was put on warfarin just after Christmas 2016 -  I asked why I couldn't stay on Aspirin alone, and was told - once AF is diagnosed the risk of stroke become more likely.  Blood thinner's such as Xarelto (riveraxaban), Apixiban, and Warfarin help keep the blood flowing freely - when AF occurs it means the chambers are not opening and closing correctly, therefore there is a possibility of a blood clot forming that can build up and move toward the brain, thereby causing a stroke.   By taking the thinner, as opposed to aspirin any clot newly formed will be washed away efficiently.   Hope this helps

The way I see aspirin for AF is less pessimistic so long as you're fit, age is your sole risk factor, and your long-term diet is such that the risk of clots forming in the atria is low.

Naturally, research funded by NOACs will disparage aspirin, which is still recommended to prevent secondary strokes. NOACS are far from perfect themselves. I'm 68 and on aspirin alone despite stroke in the family tree.

Life involves balancing risk.