Aspirin for Life

[Louise649]

I had a Watchman put in in 2019 and I’ve seen different opinions on aspirin for life. Anyone have update?

[BobD Volunteer]

Obviously aspirin is an antiplatelet not an anticoagulant. I can't vouch for watchman but it is very common for patients with any device such as a stent or artificial valve to need aspirin to prevent build up of cells on said devices.

[Omniscient1]

I was originally put on daily aspirin (I don't have a device in me, but have perm AF). This was pretty soon swapped for Clopidogrel by a different GP - another anti-platelet medicine. On the grounds that Clopidogrel was 'better'. This may have just meant it was cheaper (though obv I doubt it). Worth asking the question perhaps.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Omniscient1]

Antplatelts have no place in stroke prevention in AF yet the potential to cause harm in the form of internal bleeding.

[MarkS]

Aspirin actually causes more bleeds than anticoagulants, though I'm not sure about clopidogrel.

[theohappy]

My EP said, it is not necessarily a given to have to take the low dose aspirin, however he recommends if you don't have issues with low dose aspirin it is best to do so. Low dose aspirin on your stomach is different than 325 mg a day.

[Louise649]

Thank you all for your input!

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

HiI understand 1/2 Aspirin - the heart shaped 1 is banned for life.

cheri. JOY

Others can be REVERSed. LIKE PRADAXA.