regular checkups

[jenna1121949]

Hi

I have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and flutter. I am on bisoprolol, dabigatran and atorvastatin. I was wondering if anyone knew whether regular blood tests or check-ups are necessary when on these meds.

[BobD Volunteer]

Presumably you have regular cholesterol tests if you are in statins and some anticoags require liver function tests but beta blockers such as bisoprolol do not.

[jenna1121949 in reply to BobD]

thanks for the reply. When I asked the nurse at our practice she said if I was on statins then I didn't need cholesterol checks. I thought that cholesterol was checked at least once a year whilst on statins.

[PeterWh in reply to jenna1121949]

Yes you do need cholesterol test because the dose may be too high which causes cholesterol to be too low.

[PeterWh]

As a minimum for most if not all statins before starting then no more than 3 months after starting then at 6 months then annually.

Not sure about dabiatran but most NOACs before then 3 months then annually.

I had initial test but the didn't have test until 5 months after starting simavastatin and at that point liver function was over 4 times maximum allowed (ie it was failing). After 6 weeks or so back in range so caught in time.

[jenna1121949 in reply to PeterWh]

thanks peter

will have to make appointment with one of our nurses and get my cholesterol checked.

[PeterWh in reply to jenna1121949]

You should have a full set of blood tests including liver, kidney, thyroid, etc.

[Hidden]

Don't know about the drugs, but in Shropshire we have the RADISH programme. Anyne with heart (inc AF) or stroke risk problem (maybe other things as well, don't know) has an annual automatic blood test and basic check over, blood pressure, talk, etc.

Last year they found my potassium was high, which can cause arrhythmias. Due for a re-test sometime.

Koll

[Rellim296 in reply to Hidden]

RADISH? Review annually. Discover if still healthy?

[Hidden in reply to Rellim296]

I can't remember what it stands for Rellim. Think the last two letters are either SHropshire, or more likely Stroke and Heart.

[Rellim296 in reply to Hidden]

Anyway, it's great that they look after you in Shropshire.

[CDreamer in reply to Hidden]

We also have an annual heart check up once you have any heart condition, automatic cholesterol bloods every 6 months - I don't take statins. I have bloods every 4-5 weeks for others meds so the NOAC checks for liver/kidney function come under that.

So in answer to your question, yes it is advisable to have at least 6 monthly blood tests if your are on Dabigatran. Maybe you should ask your GP?

[jennydog]

You need to have an annual kidney function test if taking dabigatran (Pradaxa)

[Rellim296]

I have had an annual blood test since I started taking atenolol in 2002. Various different things get checked including cholesterol.

[daveeb]

I take all of those meds for nearly 2 years and the only checks I have are the ones I get if taken to A&E. However , the amount of times I end up there I don't think I need anymore .