AF & Low Blood Platelets

[Lynsutton1952]

Since starting treatment for AF last year on beta blockers & blood thinners that made it worse than it was & became a problem my blood plates have declined from normal 150 to 20-30 range in 6 months. Having stopped all medication there has been no change in 6 months on NO medication. It is well documented that blood thinners cause low blood plates but have I encountered a counterproductive condition as a result & made things worse? I was active & now I’m a slave to relaxing as my battery is flat all the time & I hope for good days but they don’t come anymore. HELP

[wilsond]

Have you been advised your medical team to stop your medication? If you have been prescribed anti coagulants,it is for a very good reason( because you are at a higher risk of an AF induced stroke)6 months along,I dont think your fatigue is related to the drugs you were taking as there can be none left in your system.

When was your last appointment( real or virtual) with your Dr or consultant?

I think you need to have conversation with them really.

Best wishes x

[CDreamer]

Which platelets have declined to that extent? On my blood tests there are results for haemaglobin - concentration + several other counts with haemaglobin, red cell count, platelet count, white cell count - then breakdown of the various while cells, ferritin distribution, B12/folate + a load more

I and everyone else who gets FBC, full blood count, gets a full breakdown because that indicates where the problem may lie. I also take immune suppressants to repress white platelets but it also represses red cells. I have been on both Apixaban and immune suppressants for 9 years now and although I sometimes teter on the low threshold, I’ve never had the sort of dip you are speaking of.

I agree with wilsond - look for alternative causes and have a full consult with your doctor.

[Autumn_Leaves]

If your platelet count remains low, please ask your GP or your cardiologist to refer you to a haematologist. This needs to be investigated.

[rc-k]

Hi Lynsutton. I sympathise, mine once dropped to eight and I had bruises the size of saucers. ( I recovered!) I would guess if you know your platelet count you are having regular full blood counts, and if there is cause for concern your gp will refer you to a haematologist.