Permanent AF for 23 Years

[DoodyToot]

I am 58yrs with AF for 23 yrs, and treated with high dose digoxin and 75mgs aspirin with no real issues. Recently had double CABG due to severe lesion in Left Main Artery, after a mild NSTEMI in June. Recovery is good, but suffering badly from anaemia with haemoglobin levels at 118/121 g/l. More detailed blood tests seem okay, but GP is referring me to a haematologist to be sure. Medication is now 0.5mg Digoxin, Omeprazone, Atorvastin, Ramipiril 75MG Aspirin and Rivaroxaban, which I am aware can cause a reduction in haemoglobin. The intention is to move onto Bisoprolol and eliminate Digoxin as this is considered more beneficial post CABG. I have a feeling that Rivaroxaban could be the problem, as everything else seems fine. Obviously this is an AF site, which I have, but the co-morbid condition is relevant. Does anyone else have a similar experience.

[BG2017]

Hi DoodyToot,

I have been on and off Rivaroxaban for a 3 year period. Whist I have managed to sustain normal haemoglobin levels I have suffered with low ferritin (not above 12 in this period) which I think is directly attributable to the rivaroxaban. I am currently off it, thus hoping to get iron store up a bit! Maybe you could try a different anticoagulant? I hope things improve for you as anemia is quite tiresome.

[DoodyToot in reply to BG2017]

Thanks BG, a useful perspective, which is what the forum appears to give. I see my Cardio Physiologist in Oxford in December, and he's a top chap so hopefully he can make an alternative proposal if haemoglobin levels are still down. As I recently had a CABG, I am not so sure that it is easy just to play around with anti coagulants but we'll see.