Aspirin

When I was having my booster vaccine I mentioned to the GP (the head of the practice who is very well thought of) that I was not taking an anticoagulant. He said that I should do, but if I was not willing to I should take an aspirin every day. I thought that studies in Europe showed that this was not efficacious at all and was not recommended because of the risk of stomach problems. I also read that US doctors took a different view and advised taking aspirin. Does anyone know what the latest state of play on this is?

[Hidden]

From everything we hear from them that know, you are absolutely right, aspirin should not be taken by AF patients for the reasons you have stated. Our friends from the States will comment I’m sure, but as I understand it, the view from there is now similar to the one expressed by Europe and the UK ( which is still part of Europe 😉)

[Hidden]

Hello Samazeuilh, Here’s a link to what the NHS website has to say on the subject of low dose aspirin. nhs.uk/medicines/low-dose-a...

I think that the reason for confusion is that aspirin is not generally the ideal for AF sufferers as it’s not effective as an anticoagulant in that circumstance.

On the other hand, presented with a patient who is taking no anticoagulant at all, this GP may have felt that recommending low dose aspirin is better than none.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks very much for the link.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

You're very welcome Samazeuilh.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I understand your logic but it’s the GP who has the responsibility for ensuring that their patients are properly anti-coagulated and although there may be good reasons why a DOAC may not be suitable eg heart valve issues, Warfarin remains a viable option rather than aspirin which can cause serious harm to anyone with AF. Back in 2014 when I was first diagnosed with AF, I recall my GP immediately prescribed a small dose of aspirin whilst the INR nurse was trying to get me in range which sounds reasonable. Hopefully, Samazeuil will work with the GP to sort out the best and most appropriate anticoagulant asap……

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

HI FlapJack, Not my logic but that of the GP surely! I too was prescribed daily low dose aspirin by my GP, while awaiting a definite diagnosis for PAF, a period of 4 years. I was perfectly happy to switch to a DOAC after diagnosis, and would certainly have considered warfarin had it been really necessary. Although a GP has responsibility for recommending anticoagulation, and an even greater one to point out the possible outcomes of declining any treatment, the onus is in the final analysis, on the patient to decide for him/herself. I therefore can't imagine that Samazeuilh's GP can be actually considered in dereliction of his duty.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

In fairness, he just just mentioned this in passing after asking me if I was on an anticoagulant (for the purpose of administering the booster vaccine).

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I understand the point you and Hidden are making about your situation. Generally, members of this forum are much better informed about the need for anticoagulants than the remaining 1.3 million AF patients who don’t belong and are more dependent on their GP for advice on anticoagulants. It’s just a bit scary if that information is not forthcoming, even for a few……..

[Lucymoo]

I’ve just had an ablation in May 2021 and now discharged from the cardiologist. I’ve been advised that although my AF is a lot calmer I should continue to take apixaban for life which I’m very happy to do. I’m more scared of having a stroke than taking the anticoagulant. Have you any particular reason for not taking it?

[Hidden in reply to Lucymoo]

To cut a long story short, I had a subconjunctival haemorrhage after taking dabigatran following diagnosis of AF three years ago. I was then CHADSVSC 1 (now 2). It wasn't serious, but I've always been scared of taking an anticoagulant since.

[Lucymoo in reply to Hidden]

Sorry to hear that must have been scary. It’s difficult weighing up for or against. I’m more scared of the stroke and we are all different and important you decide on what’s good for you. I’m on apixiban with no problems. Had a serious head injury with large haematoma and small brain bleed so had to stop the apixiban for 48 hrs but was so glad to get back on to it.

[Hidden in reply to Lucymoo]

Please don't hesitate to contact AF Association for support & information should you need it: [e-mail] / 01789 867 502

[momist]

When I presented to A&E the very first time in severe AF, over four years ago, the doctor there immediately gave me an aspirin. When I later learned that it was deprecated for the treatment of AF, I just put it down to out of date knowledge on his part. Most doctors seem to know very little about our affliction.

[Auriculaire in reply to momist]

The first time I went to A&E in 2015 I was given a jab of Lovenox within 10 minutes of arrival - afib suspected by ambulance crew and confirmed by ECG when I got there. I was then given Lovenox jabs every day till my INR was in range . But then I did spend 4 days on the cardiac ward despite having reverted to NSR quite quickly. I very much doubt I would have got such treatment at my local hospital in Brum where I had had very bad experiences before moving here.

[Hidden in reply to momist]

Please don't hesitate to contact AF Association for support & information should you need it: [e-mail] / 01789 867 502

[Camille777]

There seem to be head whip opinions about aspirin. On one hand, I was told to never take it with an AF blood thinner & I was admitted to 2 hospitals that put me on aspirin. Now it's said that the general population shouldn't take aspirin to ward off heart disease. Before I was diagnosed with AF I took the recommended baby aspirin a day. Now I just take Tylenol for a headache & watch them muck about with this & that opinion. AF needs a blood thinner, not aspirin.

[Hidden in reply to Camille777]

But isn't aspirin still advised in the US?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I thought Camille answered that question……she has confirmed what we are hearing to be the current situation regarding aspirin use in the States.

[Camille777 in reply to Hidden]

For AF or in general?

[Camille777 in reply to Hidden]

Not anymore.

[saulger in reply to Hidden]

"The American Heart Association does not recommend aspirin as an option for the prevention of stroke due to AFib." This from the XARELTO web site:xarelto-us.com/atrial-fibri...

[Hidden in reply to Camille777]

I was advised to take a baby aspirin (75mg) if I wasn't taking an anticoagulant. I do intend to take the anticoagulant eventually, but would prefer to do so when there is less Covid about in case I have to go to hospital.

[Camille777 in reply to Hidden]

I hear you, Samazeuilh. I had to go to the hospital a month ago and I was in the ER for 2 days because most of the beds were taken by Covid patients.

[Wightbaby]

Hi I haven't had time to read all the responses here, but I was JUST taking aspirin and it didn't stop me getting a blood clot in my arm, during an episode....been on Anticoags ever since

[Camille777 in reply to Wightbaby]

I found out I had AF because I had a TIA, right as we were going into lockdown for Covid, April 2020. It was chaotic & even the medical facilities were shut down. It's been a horror story since & I took aspirin. My friend had a stroke a year ago & she took aspirin. She doesn't have AF, she had high BP.

[Ren912]

I will relate my SIL experience. She was advised to take an anticoagulant for Afib by her GP. She refused and chose a low dose aspirin instead. A few months later she had a severe stroke resulting in paralysis on one side. She lived for 10 years. I also have Afib and I take dabigitran for about 5 years with no problems so far.

[Hidden in reply to Ren912]

Please don't hesitate to contact AF Association for support & information should you need it: [e-mail] / 01789 867 502

[Clarrisa]

I don’t have a history of AF but experienced sternal discomfort following my first Moderna. An Internist advised me to take a daily baby aspirin until they could sort out what was going on. I then developed air hunger until I stopped the aspirin. A day after stopping the aspirin these symptoms thankfully resolved.

A elderly relative recently had a Moderna (fully dose, not one half) booster & was very sleepy for some time afterward. They are now being followed by a Neurologist for one sided weakness episodes. I don’t know their details, but I am of the mind now how much (lack of) activity one has following a vaccination should also be weighed into their decision to take a anticoagulant or not.

The above thought would be solely to avoid complications of bedrest. In surgical patients I once read blood clots occurred 7 to 14 days afterward, so don’t breath a sigh of relief a day or two later.

[Globe-J]

Hi,

It seems, the issue is not a simple one. There is a number of highly qualified professionals recommending a regular use of aspirin. Taken with meal, using a coated variety should take care of the bleeding concern.

Do more research, perhaps you end up like me, taking 100 mg daily.

Best wishes

J (-:

[Hidden in reply to Globe-J]

Please don't hesitate to contact AF Association for support & information should you need it: [e-mail] / 01789 867 502

[Hidden]

I take a low dose soluble aspirin each morning - but make sure I have had my breakfast half an hour before I take it - I follow it with a spoonful on honey to pick up any bits left on the way down. Seems to work well.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Please don't hesitate to contact AF Association for support & information should you need it: [e-mail] / 01789 867 502

[Hidden]

Please don't hesitate to contact AF Association for support & information should you need it: [e-mail] / 01789 867 502

[Hms03049]

I've been in and out of AF for 20+ years. There was a time US doctors had me take aspirin but that has changed. Now aspirin is not recommend for AF by any of the GP and cardiologist I see or the US NIH.

A few weeks ago the nightly TV news had articles on the US CDC's new directive for adults to stop taking low dose aspirin for protection from heart attacks and strokes unless directed by a Dr..

[Ryanphilip_9]

Because aspirin is an anticoagulant, it can help prevent heart attacks and strokes. It is primarily given to the elderly. It offers no benefit for persons who are not at risk of the things mentioned. Daily aspirin is a well-established, life-saving medication for secondary prevention of heart attacks.