Anticoagulants???

[Kellyjelly]

A couple of people have mentioned anticoagulation to me over the last few weeks. I have never been on them and vaguely recall both my doctor and cardiologist saying as my CHAD score was 1 I don’t need them. I am going to talk this over when I meet my EP on 1st March but just wondering if most people with PAF take them? Also where would be a good place to find out more information?

[Drounding]

The AFA Association Website has a lot of information regarding AF and treatments etc.

Specifically regarding anti-coagulants you can start reading here: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

[Kellyjelly in reply to Drounding]

Thank you very much

[Hidden]

A bit dim here - what is CHAD - EP and PAF?

[Kellyjelly in reply to Hidden]

Not dim at all, EP is electrophysiologist, PAF is paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and CHAD score is the risk factors for stroke, I think that it’s been updated from CHAD to a different abbreviation but I don’t know what it is 😊

[Hidden in reply to Kellyjelly]

OMG - TY4info -

[Kellyjelly in reply to Hidden]

You’re welcome, it’s just much easier to write the abbreviations and commonly used in the majority of posts

[Hidden in reply to Kellyjelly]

I was being flippant to use abreviations when replying but just could not resist. It certainly is a learning curve but will hang in there - the whole pooled information is fascinating and enlightening

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Hidden]

FYI there is a list of abbreviations and achronyms pinned on your right if you look for them

[Hidden in reply to BobD]

Thank you for that - I just love the abreviation PIP.

[NuwerraForbes]

Hi, The policies differ between US and Europe. I was first diagnosed in 2015, 4 years ago.At the time I too had a chad of 1, being female. My cardio, and later my EP both put me on anti-coags.I have taken Concor a beta blocker since then as well. I began on Warfarin and as I have been self monitoring my INR, and watching my Vit K intake it has gone smoothly.Recently I turned 65 and have gone up on the scale. I do have a parent who has been on Warfarin and other meds for many years.He just turned 86, is still active and in fact drives and lives a full life.

You might learn more from Dr Gupta at York Cardiology on YouTube/Whatsapp/Facebook.

I should mention that my EP suggested I take a Sleep test, and sure enough I had sleep apnoea, which was a trigger for me.I now sleep with a CPAP, and strongly suspect that has really helped reduce the number of my episodes.I do hope you feel after research that anti-coagulants are a support, and possible protection against strokes. Best wishes.

[AIW58]

I'm the same as you CHAD of 1 and not on anticoagulant. (I'm 59, was 58 when saw cardiologist). Hadn't given it any thought as happy as I accepted the advice. I will talk to the docs I see when I have my ablation. I vaguely recall being told I'll need anticoagulant to cover the procedure but that was nearly a year ago so I may have misremembered.

Cheers Amanda

[Violetta25]

I was never given a CHAD rating at my AF diagnosis. Two years later I suffered three TIA's. I'm on Apixaban now.

[Doddsey-UK]

Hi

I stopped anticoagulants shortly after I had a cryoablation which was 3/4/17. I too have PAF. I recently met with my EP who wants to repeat the ablation but said I would only need anticoagulants after the procedure. I haven’t made my mind up as yet whether to go ahead with a second ablation.

Lindsay

[Hidden]

I was put on DOAC as soon as I was diagnosed and I am very happy to be on them I know they're not perfect but it does put my mind at rest somewhat.

[momist]

It might (or might not) put your mind at rest, but Dr. Sanjay Gupta of York Cardiology reckons it is not the AF which raises our risk of stroke, but "the company it keeps". i.e. If you have PAF then there is some other problem which causes both it and raises the risk of stroke. I wouldn't want to be without anticoagulation myself, but then I am older than you.

[KMRobbo]

I did not. I was 55 when I got afib and was quite fit and not too high BP. I only went on a/c 25 days before ablation and came off 3 months after ablation. My chads2vasc was zero.i assume my cardio and then ep were following NICE guidelines.

[avrambaer]

It can be a "tough call". Warfarin caused gastrointestinal bleeding and left me with a pancreatitis. Go with the DOAC, if you choose an anti-coagulant. They're not perfect also. That's why it's a "tough call". If you've had neurological symptoms (TIAS) from the A/F then opt for an anti-coagulant. My CHAD is "1" and I'm a 73 year-old male. What I don't like about the DOAC is that controlling bleeding can be difficult. Warfarin is easier to control but it is a pain in the butt to monitor with frequent blood tests.

[DuckWing]

I’ve had PAF for 3 yrs DX but probably a lot longer. My Cardo did not recommend a Anticoagulant at that time due to my Chads score being 1 Female, but I’m 65 now , I’m on Metoprolol 25mg BID, but lately have been having increased HR a couple of times a day, so I will be making an appt, I’m scared to start anticoagulants cause when you do it’s hard to come off of them. But I don’t want to have a stroke, but anticoagulants are also dangerous I’m not sure what to do either

[TheFlyer]

Hi did you start these ? I have been told I will need Anticoagulants after two episodes of PAF in the last two years both in February, just seems a bit ott.

High Blood pressure was diagnosed last October which I can get my head around also have CLL but I do like to get out on my bike and be a bit crazy and love a few beers.

Jules