A F and strokes

[trixie100]

Having a f means that the stroke risk is a lot higher has anyone ever had a stroke while taking anticoagulant s?

[Hidden]

As I understand it more strokes are due to haemorrhage than af. And most strokes come from the arteries in the neck and the brain when they block up or bits break off, like in a heart attack. None of that alters the fact that most people with af should be taking a blood thinner, though warfarin seems more risky in a lot of people than the new ones. Blood thinners reduce the chance of stroke from af by 70%

[TracyAdmin Partner]

Hello, we have informative anti-coagulant resources available on our website heartrhythmalliance.org/afa... visit our patient resources booklets and please join our 'Virtual Patients Educational Platform' for a variety of presentations by world leading HCP re conditions and treatments Patients Day - Arrhythmia Alliance Group (heartrhythmalliance.org)

[BobD Volunteer]

AF increases stroke risk by five times. Anticoagulation reduces that by about 70%.

Several of our members who were told that they do not need to take anticoagulants due to being "too young" did have either TIA of full blown strokes which does indicate how inportant anticoagulation is.

Because the stroke causing clots form in the heart (Left atrium or left atrial appendage) they can be much bigger than ones which form in an artery so cause far more damage. AF related strokes account for around 20% of all strokes but 80% of the least recoverable ones.

The only strokes I have heard of whilst taking anticoagulants were regardng Rivaroxaban. It is vital to take this drug with food, preferably a proper meal with some fat and a bulletin was released about this around a year ago after a few people who ignored this advice did have AF related strokes . Obviously a patient with poor standards of compliance with INR when taking warfarin may be at increased risk. Most data assumes around 75% in range for such people.

Hope that covers it all.

[CDreamer]

Anticoagulants reduce, not eliminate, your risk of AF clots travelling to the brain causing a stroke. They won’t eliminate the risk so there are people who have had TIAs & strokes who take anticoagulants.

I had TIA after I stopped anticoagulants but not had anything since restarting. Now on them for life.

[Paulbounce]

It's a hard call to make.

I've come off mine due to a couple of factors - chat with my cardio and GP. I'm not a youngester but was told carrying on might / could cause problems in later life.

One thing is for sure though - if I go back in to afib I'll start again there and then.

Trixie wrote

"Having a f means that the stroke risk is a lot higher has anyone ever had a stroke while taking anticoagulant s?"

Yes I'm sure this happens. However taking anticoagulants can / will reduce the risk. I also think age plays an important role. 65 + I think it's very important to start before then.

As I've said before I'm still 50 / 50 if I've made the right decision. For those in afib I think it's very important to take them. I'm in sinus at the moment and have made my choice - it could be the wrong call though.

Paul

[Jetcat]

On my next visit to cardiologist I am going to ask him if I can go back on ACs. I’m 53 and chads are nil and was taken off them but I often wonder whether I should still be on them.???? I personally would rather take them to be honest.

[Moustache]

Yes, my husband has permanent AF and has been taking the anticoagulant Rivaroxaban for 3 years. During this time he has had two separate clots in his eye and one small stroke. He has also been on hormone deprivation therapy for cancer for many years, the accumulating nature of this treatment is probably involved. I am a nutritionist and am not advising anyone here, you must always defer to your doctor or consultant. Since these episodes we have been taking Nattokinase for the last 6 months. It might be interesting for you to read about it and discuss with your GP

It is not recommended that you start or stop any treatments without the support of your healthcare professional.

[Sambaqui]

BobD mentions that Riveroxaban should be taken with a " a proper meal with some fat". Is there any info on the website that defines "some fat". I'm thinking of a breakfast of muesli and buttered toast, or a salad with olive oil, vs a full roast sheep.

[Vrouse]

I had a stroke caused by AF which I didn't even know I had. Been on apixaban since and told by consultant risk of another stroke is very low.