I don't know if I should be taking a baby aspirin my heart doctor only has me on sotalol and metoprolol And my heart still beats fast

I need to find out what to do about taking a blood thinner

[Barb1]

Have you been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation?

[jeanjeannie50]

I believe anticoagulants are normally prescribed to people over 65 and before then they're not considered necessary, though some GP's do prescribe a baby aspirin before that age. I know I was and also prescribed warfarin before age 65 too, was probably in my early 60's.

Jean

[pip_pip in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I was 48 when put on Warfarin. I am unaware of an age restriction.

Phil

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to pip_pip]

I believe it's not so much an age restriction, more the age we have more chance of having a stroke. I guess NICE will possibly have the exact answer if you're keen to know, but I would say that if you've been assessed as needing it, then that is enough to know.

Jean

[Hidden in reply to jeanjeannie50]

need for anticoagulant is assessed by case, not age. For example if you are 30 with on other co-morbities you would not need an AC, if you were 30 with high blood pressure and diabetic you would.

[pip_pip in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I did realise that. But thank you anyway.

[CDreamer]

I am wondering about your concerns that led you to ask the question?

FYI

‘Blood thinners’ such as aspirin are anti-platelets (ie they stop platelets from clumping together) and in UK are not normally prescribed as a prophylactic against AF stroke. If you need anti-platelets your doctor will advise you but taking daily aspirin is not a good idea, unless you have been told you need to take them.

Anticoagulants are different and help stop clots from forming and are used for people with AF to prevent strokes from clots forming in the heart and then travelling to the brain. Some people need them and others are considered to have a much lower risk and so doctors don’t advise the need to take them, however, you can check your score by using the CHADSVasc Scoring Scale - link below.

clincalc.com/Cardiology/Str...

If you score 2 or above then certainly go have a conversation with your doctor.

For more information - visit the AFA site heartrhythmalliance.org/afa... and use the site applicable to your location as the information on anticoagulation differs from Europe to US.

Hope that helps.

[tbone421998 in reply to CDreamer]

This explains it very well. Thanks CDreamer.

[IanB48]

Hi there. If your doctor has prescribed heart medicines then those are what you should be taking and if you feel they are not controlling your heart rate you need to go back and have a discussion with your practitioner. I’m not a medical expert but aspirin is unlikely to slow your heart rate and could probably have unwanted side effects. I hope things eventually settle but in the meantime seek expert help.