Aspirin? Ibuprofen?

I’m interested in the different advice re aspirin. I’m in the uk, have PAF, two 4 hour episodes 4 years ago, then suddenly 4 more episodes over last few weeks. 3 were about 4 hours one was 10 hours. 2 x Bisoprolol made no apparent difference. I have not yet taken anti coagulants. I have physical problems and sometimes need NSAID and am reluctant to take thinners. I note on this site that many are given aspirin during an episode or regularly. Maybe they are not in UK as I was told aspirin / meds just during episodes / not appropriate/ effective advisable?

My cardiologist also mentioned in passing that ibuprofen could be implicated in triggering episodes?

I think mine were triggered by (low level) alcohol and maybe large meals. They are always on a Saturday night. Of last 4, 3 were weekly, I gave up alcohol and coffee, the 4th was after two evenings when I risked a glass of lovely red.

Any comments? Thank you!

[BobD Volunteer]

Ibuprofen is know to cause AF so must be avoided. Aspirin is of little value as a prophylactic against stroke in AF yet still can cause harm (internal bleeding) so best avoided also.

[CDreamer]

As per my reply to your comment on a previous thread earlier today:-

Asprin is an anti-platelet - good for preventing DVT, after stroke or TIA & various other things but evidence from studies show that the are not affective for decreasing AF induced clots travelling to the brain.

You are correct about use of NSAIDS - but my understanding is they are contraindicated for anyone with AF as they have been shown to be antagonists for triggering episodes. Certainly NSAIDS will increase the anticoagulant affect.

Bisoprolol is Beta-blocker & will steady you HR if you have fast AF & BP but won’t affect your rhythm - you would need AntiArrythmic drugs such as Flecainide to convert to NSR.

Once the anticoagulation factor is decided - rate control is the main objective - which is why Bisoprolol is usually advised. Very few people seem to use as a PIP - but I can understand an argument for doing so. Personally I had very bad affects from Beta-blockers so couldn’t take them.

The choice to take or refuse a treatment is yours but do your research, know what function each drug does, why it is suggested and then decide. Decisions are always Risk:Benefit assessment. And everyone Reacts differently.

For me I forgo NSAIDS in order to take anticoagulants every day because my CHADsVaSC is now 3 so my stroke risk is higher.

Hope that helps.

[Lewis1234]

I was having 2 or 3 fast AF episodes a month for about 2 years always self correcting after 4-15 hours. I gave up gluten and have had no episodes at all for 10 months!. gluten causes inflamation and bloating which can possibly affect the vagus nerve triggering AF, it definately worked for me. Am on 1.25 mg bisoporal daily, but not sure if that does much... originally took it as a pip but I don't think it helped.

[Madscientist16]

If you need NSAIDS for pain, acetaminophen is safe for those with AF.

[Bagrat in reply to Madscientist16]

Paracetamol ( acetominophen) is not an antii flammatory though.

[Hidden in reply to Madscientist16]

Yes, however pain clinic says the most effective pain relief for my condition is one paracetamol (acetaminophen) and one NSAID taken together

[CDreamer in reply to Hidden]

Then if you take NSAIDs you will antagonise AF and end up on a lot more medication.