Angiogram and anticoagulant!

[Eirecara]

Hi “all”, I got a surprise in the post yesterday. An appointment for an angiogram on 9th March. I am on a list for an ablation sometime this year so I am thinking the angiogram might be a precursor to this. The instructions say I am to stop taking my Lixiana on 6th which worries me somewhat, as I get afib every few days. I understand the need as they go into an artery but, I can’t help but worry about a clot. Is it the norm to stop anticoagulant 3 days before, and is this done for the ablation as well?Any opinions welcome ☘️

[BobD Volunteer]

It seems to depend on hospitals. Ablation is generally done whilst anticoagulated these days and to be honest I don't recall stopping warfarin before my angiogram in 2017. I suggest you call the hospital and discuss. As a point of interest though stroke risk is not dependent on length or frequency of AF events.

[Eirecara in reply to BobD]

Thank you ☘️

[Eirecara]

Thank you ☘️

[DevonHubby1]

My wife has PAF and had a CT Angiogram as a standard angiogram can trigger AF. If you were not expecting the letter, I guess no o e discussed procedure with you. I'd double check angiogram team are aware of your AF and happy to proceed.

My wifes PAF can be difficult to revert and shocking just makes things worse so maybe shes a special case for the CT but worth checking.

Good luck.

[Eirecara in reply to DevonHubby1]

That reminds me, when I had an EP study done in 2012 the wires triggered af and they told me I was very difficult to revert out if it. Thank you ☘️

[Ecki]

Last year I had a severe episode of fast AF, hospital thought it was a HA. I was told I'd need an angioplasty. I was on rivaroxaban, which wasn't stopped. The doctor doing the procedure said that he could do the angiogram but not the angioplasty because the anticoagulant hadn't been stopped. I was surprised because my husband has had several angioplasties and never had to stop his anticoagulant. So it all seems a bit random. I would give them a call to check.

[Eirecara in reply to Ecki]

Thank you ☘️

[Countryflavour]

Hi Eirecara

It is the norm to stop taking anticoagulant 3 days before angiogram as I had one in November but the put me on aspirin for the three days instead, I was very nervous before Angiogram but it is not bad at all, I was talking to people that day who went in before me and they were fine after and i.went in.very relaxed....and I was fine during and after the procedure... Good luck with yours....

[Eirecara]

Thank you ☘️