Clopidogrel

[Glad80]

I had an ablation 13 years ago,I was suffering from arrythmia/ A/F.I have one or two minor episodes. This week a suffered an epidode lasting 9 hours which scared me again.does this mean that the A/F had returned or could it be just a one off? I am on flecainide and clopidogrel. My gp is thinking about changing the clopidogrel for a newer drug. I am not sure this will help. I would welcome any feedback from anyone who has experienced this. Thank you.

[BobD Volunteer]

Clopidogrel is an anti platelet drug not an anti- coagulant so if you are having AF events then it is not really suitable for stroke prevention which no doubt is what your doctor is thinking.

[1Jerbear in reply to BobD]

Bob D. is so right . Clopidogrel keeps platelets from sticking together . I am on that drug since I had my stents implanted . Then I am on Eliquis for blood thinner for my A-fib .

[Glad80]

Thank you. That sounds like what was in their mind. I'm still worried though wondering why the episode has happened after such a long time,is it just a one off??? Would it be better for me to go back to my original consultant. Is there a way of checking why it has happened??

[rosyG]

Agree with Bob but wonder why you are on clopidogrel- have you have any other illnesses?

[Glad80 in reply to rosyG]

Works to help thin the blood.but now told it isn't an anticoagulant,which is why my GP is now suggesting I should try a different drug to make it safer should I have any more episodes AF

[rosyG in reply to Glad80]

yes it's an anti-platelet but that works differently from Acs so wondered why you are on it- was it given for AF?

[Glad80 in reply to rosyG]

I was put on clopidogrel in 1995 after having a stent implant.

[rosyG in reply to Glad80]

Yes that’s still the choice for after stents You need a cardiologists advice now about what AC is needed and whether a combination of drugs or just one or the other. I don’t think a GP would know enough but they could contact a specialist

[Glad80]

I can't answer that, this why I've come onto this site in hope of getting answers !

[CDreamer in reply to Glad80]

Hi & welcome. I think you did very well to have 13 AF free years, I’ve had 2 ablations Which gave me about 3 AF free years.

I can only relate my own experiences and make observations based on other posts on this forum.

No-one can tell you whether or not it is a one off or AF settling into a pattern. What I do know is that the sooner you can get to an EP for consultation and to discuss your options the better.

Please note the advice of RosyG & Bob - Clopidogril is not an Anti-coagulant and is not recommended for AF.

If you go to the AFA website you will find lots of information on latest thinking regarding A/Cs - choices and explanations to download. But obviously this will not treat the AF or affect it in anyway - it will however - lessen your risk of stroke and as people with AF are x5 times more likely to have a stroke - this is important.

Latest thinking is currently- lifestyle changes in the first instance, treat underlying conditions eg thyroid, diabetes etc as AF may be caused by a known or unknown underlying condition - ie it could be a symptom.

Treatments are for QOL - Rate Control and/or Rhythm Control meds, cardioversion and ablation.

I found that my AF episodes come in clutches - several episodes and then nothing for months.

If you are anxious may I suggest you seek to address the anxiety - I just started an 8 week CBT/Mindfulness course today run by our local psychology department - designed to support people with chronic conditions. I’ve practised Mindfulness for many years but still I found this course excellent and have come home very chilled!

Best wishes CD.

[Buffafly in reply to Glad80]

My husband takes clopidogrel and a statin because he had a small stroke. Clopidogrel is also prescribed for people with blood vessel disease or who have stents. If any of those apply to you it might be the reason. Were you ever on Warfarin?

[Brizzy50000]

I'm still waiting for an ablation op 10 months now, but to get to your query i was informed that that he could nearly guarantee the ablation would last 10 years if everything went well then it would probably come back and i might need ablation again, so 13 years of being AF free sounds pretty good

[wilsond in reply to Brizzy50000]

I am being almost certainly offered animation at University Hospital Coventry they said long wait but not specific. Do you know of a way to check it out?I see EP 6th April but am just curious! Thanks!

[Brizzy50000 in reply to wilsond]

I see my EP at the end of march and hope he has some good news for me, i'm having mine done at Bristol if I hear nothing until I see him that will be a year of waiting.

[cuore]

Thirteen years is a long stretch to be AF free. Were you on Flecainide during that whole time?

[Glad80]

Yes and I am still on flecainide .just had a blip (I'm hoping) last week.

[wing2]

hi Glad80, I was offered an ablation which would mean, so I'm told, that I would not need medication anymore for AF so I'm surprised that you still take medication.

[Glad80]

All cases maybe different. I have been OK on this medication so why would I want to come off it?I am quite happy to carry on as long as it keeps me AF free,but I can't speak for anyone else.