Aspirins

[Gertsen]

I was diagnosed in the USA last October with intermittant AF. In fact he called it a holiday heart. They prescribed Betablockers and aspirins 325 mg. The doctors in the UK dos not seem to like aspirins, but I am reluctant to take other anticoagulants. There seem to be no problems with my heart. Any thought?

[PeterWh]

The choice is yours!!!

You are correct that from June 2014 NICE has said that aspirin is not an anticoagulant and is not for use for those with AF and that warfarin or one of the NOACs should be prescribed. People previously on aspirin are being changed over. Warfarin has been about for decades and even the NOACs for quite a few years now.

You don't say why you are reluctant. Don't forget that AF sufferers are 5 times more likely to have a stroke and 60% to 80% of all serious strokes are as the result of AF.

Obviously you will need to be guided by American practices, protocols and rules. Discuss with your medics as none of us on here are medically qualified.

[Gertsen in reply to PeterWh]

Thank you. I am seeing my doctor here in the UK shorly and will discuss.

[Susiebelle in reply to Gertsen]

Hi - I was diagnosed with AF in June 2010.

Was put on warfarin & bisoporal prior to a cardio version.

When I attended the ECG performed showed that I was in NSR.

Was taken off warfarin in October 2010.

In December 2010 I had a full stroke ( I had been regarded as low risk).

My advice - make sure you are effectively anti-coagulated.

[BobD Volunteer]

I read from your post that your are UK based but had your event whilst on holiday in USA. Am I right?

Aspirin is not recommended in UK for stroke prevention in AF but first you need to learn if you need anticoagulation. If you go to AF Association website under patient information you will find something called CHADS or CHADS2VASC2 which is a scoring system to determine if you are at stroke risk and should be on an anticoagulant. Aspirin does nothing to prevent stroke whilst having the potential to cause serious problems such as intestinal bleeding etc.

I really think you need to look at your circumstances and discuss this rationally with your doctor if you do have paroxsymal AF. Many of us are on anticoagulants for life .

Bob

[Gertsen in reply to BobD]

Thanks, yes, it was while on holiday in the states. I will look into it.

[Gracey23]

I live in the USA and have had PAF for little more than ten years. I have been prescribed Flecanaide and Aspirin. EP has said that at 65 years with no heart disease and no other health issues I am not ready for blood thinners. As I age he said he will consider blood thinners. Until being on this forum I was concerned but now I question his decision. I have seriously been considering ablation not only for relief but also because blood thinners scare me. The risk of internal bleeding is a major risk. I know that you have to use blood thinners before an ablation but my question is, do Drs recommend taking blood thinners for life after an ablation? My goal for having an ablation is to be medication free. Any thoughts would be helpful! So confused

[Gertsen]

Thank you what strength aspirin? I will see my doctor in a few weeks and will discuss.