Question Husband has artificial heart value since 2005. On warfarin+aspirin, breathing problem caused by anemia. Could aspirin be cause.

[IreneMM]

Heart specialist at time recommended aspirin & warfarin. But aspirin not on prescription, we've always just bought it, so current GP may not be aware. Breathlessness only on exercise or exertion. Husband not keen to trouble doctor with this info until he sees him in a couple months after a course of iron tablets. I think he should tell doctor now.

[pottypete1]

We are not qualified to advise you.

However your husband should not be taking anything without the approval of your doctor.

I believe that Aspirin is no longer recommended for anticoagulation.

Warfarin is an accepted anticoagulant.

However, Bob and Ian below know much more about this subject of artificial valves than me but I still suggest he sees his doctor soon and explains his symptoms and asks about the tablets that he is taking.

Pete

[BobD Volunteer]

If your husband has an artificial heart valve then aspirin is still needed so I really think he needs to speak to his doctor.

If It were me my wife would stand no nonsense and I would be there tomorrow.

Glad you buy the aspirin as this way you save both yourselves and NHS loads of money.

[ILowe in reply to BobD]

I think you will find that some people with an artificial valve take a tiny dose of aspirin in addition to the warfarin, but not all. But that is a detail.

Any new symptoms like breathlessness need investigation, and the sooner the better.

I waited too long. A local cardiologist missed the warning signs and I kept going till I collapsed. Too late-- undetected endocarditis had led to total valve collapse. Endocarditis is always fatal if left untreated -- as I was later told in a memorable non-negotiable way.

Anyone with an existing major heart problem, including successful artificial valves, should not hesitate to insist on being checked out promptly when new symptoms develop.

[wilsond]

All I can say is that my late dad had a metal valve replacement and HAD to take Warfarin,as clots can form on the valve if not.He lived for 18 years with it,and died of pnemonia!

Aspirin is not now recommended I believe .Although,when I had a TiA in November,I wqs given 300mg aspirin striaght away and for 5 days after,as at the time I wasnt anticoagulated.

I think it might be wise to check this out sooner rather than later...best wishes

[Polski]

Sorry Irene, I don't quite understand this.

How do you know the breathlessness is caused by anemia, if the doctor has not diagnosed it? There are many other causes of breathlessness, so the doctor needs to be consulted so he can investigate them.

Also, the doctor needs to investigate the cause of the anemia as iron tablets won't help if the cause has not been sorted!

So . . . go with your gut feeling!