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Do most afib patients need to stay on blood thinner forever?

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aaffiibb
aaffiibb

I have a very good friend that was diagnosed with Afib 4 months ago.  She has had her heart put back in rhythm 3 times so far.  She is 63 years old and is currently taking Eliquis and a heart regulator. The next step for her is ablation if her heart goes out of rhythm again.  Her cardiologist wants her to stay on the meds for 6 months, then re-evaluate. Is it likely or unlikely that she will need to stay on the blood thinner?  I have done some reading online, but cannot find anything in relation to continuing or discontinuing the blood thinner.  What is general protocol in terms of someone with Afib continuing with a blood thinner to prevent blood clots throughout life?  I deeply care about my friend. How many Afib patients are able to go off the blood thinner?

Thank you in advance for taking time to reply.

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  • sherpa_al
    sherpa_al aaffiibb

    Posted

    Quite an old thread, but with some recent comments. I was diagnosed with atrial flutter last November, having had a couple of episodes of racing heart and breathlessness under exercise during 2016. Within weeks, and before I could see a specialist, I had had a stroke, and after was prescribed Eliquis as an NOAC.

    I asked my GP practice why they had not prescribed an anti-coagulant upon the atrial flutter diagnosis, and the response was that my CHADs risk was deemed very low, my only score being male over 65. I lead a healthy lifestyle, plenty of exercise, non-smoker, moderate drinker, not overweight, no heart disease history in the family, but nonetheless I had a stroke which has left me with permanently impaired vision.

    I had an ablation in June, and have had no serious episodes since; I have my consultant review in a couple of weeks. I still get occasional palpitations and ectopics, but am able to manage this mostly through diet and managing my stomach. However, I would take an very large amount of persuasion to stop taking the Eliquis. Having had a stroke based on a very low probability, what's to stop it happening again?

    Sherpa Al

  • betty47298
    betty47298 aaffiibb

    Posted

    I had been on pradaxa..had blood in my urine from kidney stones. think it was making it worse so switched to eliquis..in between had a laser procedure for the stones. since then fine so far..so do not know if pradaxa worsened things or just from stones...seems no problems with eliquis but worry as no reversal and falls..had two..leg still has residual sensation  form ten months ago. think trauma worsened by blood thinner...and takes longer to heal than if not on blood thinners. I agree better blood thinners than a stroke ..otherwise walking around completely unprotected...also take beta blockers to slow the heart...combo...afib begets afib..have a loop recorder and worsen. will have an ablation..seems studies say afib increases chances of stroke five to seven times ..so blood thinner prevents clots but nota fib..that is what I know so far. hope this helps
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