I have had five episodes of a-fib in September- self corrected in about 2 hours each time. Diagnosis: Paroxysmal A-fib. Already on Diltiazam for HBP and ectopy for few months.
Recently had ECHO and labs to determine if sound heart structure ( yes!) and labs ok. The reason for testing to determine if ok for Flecainide use and Apixaban ( score: 3).
Recent convo MD says continue to monitor ( aware of two episodes of A-fib in early Nov.)since labs/ ECHO good.
I was surprised Meds not prescribed, esp. Apixaban but didn’t question him since I’m delighted not to be on meds, was texting MD, and didn’t want to continue texting late Friday afternoon!
I’m wondering if other cardiologists have ordered a wait and see order? He knows I am changing lifestyle to better diet and walking program.
Thank you.
PS : I feel every A-fib/ ectopy and now worried more about stroke!
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Figbar
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Morning, hopefully some others will reply who have had a similar experience to yours. I was put on bisoprolol and apixaban as soon as AFib was diagnosed. If your ChadVasc score is 3 I don't know why you'd not be prescribed an anticoagulant.
I would ring and ask about why you've not been prescribed treatment to be honest but before you do, arm yourself with information about the NICE guidelines for AFib.
TracyAdmin has recently posted a link to the latest guidelines on treatment for AF, patient info and so on. Check these out and quote them! If your ChadVas-2 is more than 2 you need those anticoagulants.
One thing I’m wondering about: if I have a diagnosis of hypertension but Diltiazam and weight loss have brought my BP within normal limits, is that considered one point I can remove from my score bringing me down to a two?
Let me know what they say! I'm in a similar position although it's lifestyle +Diltiazem that brought my BP down. Diltiazem is also a rate controller - so that might be why they're not too worried about you.
Thank you. I was on an aspirin regime suggested by a physician when I was diagnosed 3 years prior to stroke w/ Afib. Stroke took some peripheral vision. I was treated at Johns Hopkins. Doctors there said I had a 20% chance of death, double that of life changing impairment. In other words, I was damn lucky. Apixaban has been side effect free so far.
I have listened to you and others on this forum.I spoke with my cardiologist this morning after two - A- fib episodes this weekend and I will be starting Eliquis today.
I would love to be off one of my heart meds (tikosyn), but not the eliquis. I’ve been on it for a few years now. I had a very tiny TIA last March. I’ll never know for sure, but I suspect the eliquis might have kept it from being something major. At 66, female & now w a history of TIA, I’m a CHADSVASC score of 4, lifetime of anticoagulants & statins to conquer the genetically high cholesterol. Fortunately, eliquis & statins haven’t caused me any side effects, at least none that I’ve noticed. Good luck with sorting this out!
Because statistically being female raises your risk of stroke, if you have AF. Many may dispute this but that is the current state of affairs
The scoring systems are not infallible and not individual but they are the most affective tool we currently have for assessing stroke risk for people with AF, based on population statistics.
I now score 4 - after coming off anticoagulants 12 months following an ablation which stopped all episodes. Then I had a TIA - never wanted to get back on meds so quickly in my life. I’ve not had any side effects from Apixaban (Eliquis), it’s seems to be the least likely to cause side effects.
I wish I knew why females more prone to stroke but I will find that out through research I am sure.You have experienced much since your diagnosis of a-fib.
Hi FigbarI have had AF for 29 years. I have been on Flecainide for pretty well all that time and have had three ablation procedures,. I still take 100mg Flecainide twice a day and recently switched from Warfarin to Edoxaban, which is very similar to Apixaban. I have been symptom free for around four years, but continue with the medication on the advice of the consultant cardiologist.
I have never been aware of any conflict between Edoxaban and Flecainide, both of which I will remain on for life.
I am not medically trained, but I am fairly certain that anyone with symptomatic AF should be on one of the anticoagulants, to prevent stroke and I’d definitely query this with your doctor.
Hi again FigbarFurther to my earlier email, the extract, below, from an article in The Times today absolutely confirms that it is essential anyone with AF takes an anticoagulant.
“You don’t want to suffer any kind of stroke. But the one you really don’t want to have is the one caused by atrial fibrillation (AF),” says Dr Terry Quinn, a consultant stroke physician at the University of Glasgow, describing the devastating effect of strokes brought about by the heart condition. “With an AF stroke you are much more likely to die or be disabled, or to land in a care home or get dementia.”
Your replies are so appreciated.You give me hope ( your duration of a-fib and treatment of same) and because of your experiences you know whereof you speak.
Thank you.
My cardiologist ordered Apixaban for me this week after I phoned him but pharmacy won’t have it in until Dec. 6.
I had first episode in 2015, place on metoprolol. All fine until this September, one episode. Then beginning of November, one episode. Being a 65 year old woman put my score at 2. Started Eliquis. . Then another episode November 25. Had an echo, normal. Getting a nuclear stress test after the exercise stress test was positive. . If normal, will start Flecainide 50 mg twice a day to prevent more episodes. He said that then we can back off on the metoprolol which I take 25 mg in am and 12.5 in pm. I also asked if I can take a very low dose Xanax when/if another episode hits. They are horrible and frightening. He said I could. I hope this works and really hope the nuclear stress test is ok. If that test not ok, then cardiac arteriogram. But I feel protected at least, with the Eliquis, from a stroke. That’s the best I can do right now. I know how we keep questioning what’s right. I exercise and eat well.
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