NSAIDS and Afib.

[Missyanne]

After a concussion last January, I started taking Naproxen regularly. AND I started having break-thru Afib episodes. My docs KNEw I was taking this but said nothing. My cardiologist who knows I have Afib said nothing.

So, I read about it and yep, people with Afib are cautioned NOT to take NSAIDS!!! Now off of this and my Afib episodes have been nonexistent for the past week.

Always wondered why these warnings are not just standard with doctors.

[Speed]

Did you already have a history of AF or did it start after taking Naproxen?

I’m aware of the advice to not take NDAIDS if you are taking blood thinners / anticoagulants due to the increased risk of stomach bleeds from the NSAIDS being made worse and so much riskier if on anticoagulants. Most AF sufferers are on anticoagulants and so by inference, AF sufferers should not take NSAIDS.

There does appear to be very slight increase in cases of AF for people taking NSAIDS (Taiwan study) and so could be a trigger for AF. I note the patient leaflet does advise that as a side effect, Naproxen can cause abnormal heart arrhythmia or palpitations.

[Missyanne in reply to Speed]

Have had Afib for several years before this but it has been under control with Rythmol. The NSAID Naproxen started giving me episodes which lasted from @ few minutes to a half hour, which, while shorter than the episodes I had before Rythmol, were frustrating. Since discontinuing NSAID, I have had no episodes. Not on a blood thinner.

[Speed in reply to Missyanne]

A few minutes to half an hour? I’m jealous- I’m 36 hours into my current one!

A little concerned as longest to date.

[Missyanne in reply to Speed]

Before starting Rythmol, mine lasted for hours and only stopped sometime in the night when I slept. I know I am lucky and mine is not too bad. Had a close friend who was in constant afib. Had a pacemaker, but still had afib. He had many other medical concerns.

[MisterMagoo]

As Speed says, the advice to not take NSAIDS is usually down to their incompatibility with being on anticoagulants. BUT I definitely noticed a worsening of my Afib when taking them. I mentioned this to my GP when he said that there was no way I was getting an op for my double hernia and would have to grin and bear it with NSAIDS. He completely dismissed my assertion that they made my Afib worse but they definitely did for me.

[fairgo45 in reply to MisterMagoo]

What an unhelpful GP he should of advised you of the side affects not just warfarin either ,you shouldn't take NSAIDS use something else like 500 grams of paracetamol +8 mg codeine twice or even 3 times a day I believe you can buy them over the counter in the UK

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

Unfortunately we continue to remind Drs and Specialists but it should be on your records that you are taking anti-co-agulants. Also in your allergies to put DOACS/NOACS.

I know some Drs allow these anti-inflammatory drugs for short bursts but as you know they react against your antico-agulants.

The last operation post I was given oxi-norm and paracetamol 500mg x 2 three times a day. Although ACC private I had 2 anaesthetists and 2 doctors and was done in a public hospital.

Knowing that the former was addictive I tookit for 3 days only.

I have another operation coming up for right shoulder. ACC but done in a private hospital .. less support. Keyhole surgery.

Naproxen did nothing for me but ifoprofen 100mg was for me perfect.

cheers Joy. 74. (NZ)

[Missyanne in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

Cannot take ibuprofen as it give me hives and a rash now. Ibuprofen used to be my pain reliever of choice.