Dear all, I'm seeking some assistance in relation to two matters:
1. Approaching the first anniversary of angioplasty placing a single DES in the LAD (90% blocked - eek!); prior to very flukey diagnosis of erratic pulse in recovery after exercise completely symptomless. Not had single detectable episode of AF since the stent and have monitored very carefully ever since. First consultant, the one who performed the stress ECG and the Echocardigram and who performed the angiogram and angioplasty advised that it was likely "on the balance of probabilities" that the stent would resolve the paroxysmal AF. Howeve, a subsequent Consultant took a contrary view and advised that even a single episode of AF, which may have been related to the original large blockage, and despite zero recorded episodes of irregular pulse since, means that, under current guidelines, the original diagnosis persists. The absence of any further risk factors aside from stable cardio-vascular disease (good pulse, BP, fit and active 52 year old) meant that he did not prescribe blood thinners, warfarin etc at this stage.
Can anyone assist me as to which of the two views I should rely upon? In other words, can a single stent resolving a very large blockage and no subsequent irregular pulse readings whatsoever mean that my paroxysmal AF has been 'cured'?
2. I am currently on 40 mg statins (didn't tolerate 80 mg very well), 2mg ARB Candersartan, as well as 75mg Clopidogrel and daily aspirin. I was told that after one year I could drop either the Clopidogrel or the daily aspirin: does any one have any advice! but that it was "up to me" which one I discontinued. Am confused by that advice and wondered if anyone can assist?
Thank you all, very much, in advance.