apixiban and reduction in stroke risk

[Robfromwales]

I am sure this has been covered in previous posts but can someone remind me of the answer to the question … if we are on apixiban due to our AF how much general cover does it give us against non AF related TIAs or strokes? I appreciate every person is different and their risks will vary but any one know the general picture.

[BobD Volunteer]

The general stroke prevention figure for anticoagulants of 70% is for all strokes. AF makes us five times more likely to have a thrombotic stroke of any kind. As we know AF related strokes account for approx 20% of all strokes but 80% of the least recoverable ones hence the emphasis on anticoagulation for AF patients

[Robfromwales in reply to BobD]

thanks Bob . I had hoped you would reply as I know you are a fount of knowledge on such matters. So the general stroke risk is reduced by 70 per cent with ACs? Btw / during recent OHS for Ascending aortic graft - I had my left atrial appendage closed which I understand helps reduce clots from AF

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Robfromwales]

So I believe.

[waveylines in reply to Robfromwales]

Are you still required to take an anti coagulant despite having the left atrial appendage closed? My understanding is that once this is done anti coag is no longer required..... Well that is what my EP and surgeon have told me - am awaiting a heart op that also includes this.

[Robfromwales in reply to waveylines]

The advice from my surgeon was that this reduces risk of AF related stroke by 60 per cent. As others have commented over time on here, you can’t undo a stroke so I am not advocating coming off them for myself.

[waveylines in reply to Robfromwales]

Interesting Robfromwales.... My surgeon says closing the flap reduces the risk of stroke by 80% so no need for anti coag. My EP said the same thing. Infact they do it when anticoagulants can't be tolerated. . I think there are differing views....

[Robfromwales in reply to waveylines]

Yes indeed. As at the moment there are no issues with apixiban I intend to stay on it and that’s why I asked about the efficacy of broader stroke non AF cover

[secondtry]

If I was you I would continue on ACs for a couple of years more due to increased protection from strokes caused by other non-AF issues unless you have concerns you might be an internal bleed risk eg stomach or exposure to a head injury.

[Robfromwales in reply to secondtry]

I am on for life as far as I am concerned!

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

I had a stroke before AF was diagnosed.

I was not on any meds except for B12 Solgar 1000ug 2-3 days 1 nugget sublingual.

But 4 days in hospital I was diagnosed with possible Papillary Thyroid Cancer. The biopsy showed to be correct a1.9mm carcinoma in right lobe, tiny bit in left and 2 out of 12 removed lymphs on right affected.

I did have symptoms of sweating profusely, unable to keep my temperature regulated, rest at completed stairs or elevation.

No lumps on neck, all thyroid levels normal.

I'm not sure whether like me with no feeling that your heart is in trouble would one know.

cheri JOY. 74. (NZ)