Afib, inflammation and NSAIDs

[Broseley]

I was awake in the early hours, brain active, and thinking about my inflammation issues. I have Afib, polymyalgia, giant cell arteritis, bursitis, arthritis, spondylitis, tendonitis, IBS etc.

Is there a connection between Afib and inflammation?

I am unable to take NSAIDs due to being on edoxaban. Since being on DOACs my inflammation has got worse. Until that is, I went on prednisolone when I developed PMR in 2021 which does help with my other inflammatory conditions, but I have to taper off it. I am now down to 1.5mg prednisolone and all my inflammatory conditions are getting worse again. If there is any way I could come off DOACs I would love to so I could take NSAIDs again once I am off the steroids. In my previous posts I have stated that my Afib has never been confirmed, and I have never had any symptoms. I am wondering if NSAIDs might also help with Afib?

Or does anyone know any other ways of dealing with inflammation? Does anyone else have this problem?

[BobD Volunteer]

You can't take NSAIDs as they are known to be a cause of AF. The contra indication with anticoagulants is a secondary consideration. Sorry.

Regarding inflamation and AF yes there is a connection as any such can increase AF burden if you have it.

[Broseley in reply to BobD]

So you're caught between the devil and the deep blue sea!

[wilsond]

Unfortunately NSAIDs are prohibited if on DOACS and they can provoke AFIB. I understand your situation as I am currently really suffering with torn ligaments in both knees.

Anti inflammatory diet is recommended for longterm support but in response to flare ups or trauma,the usual advice,repeated yesterday by my gp was rest,ice,elevate as much as possible.

[Broseley in reply to wilsond]

Thanks, I'd need to lie in an ice bath 20 feet up then!😂

[baba]

”my Afib has never been confirmed,”

You need to find out if you definitely have AFib or not. If not you may not need anticoagulants.

Your other medical conditions are potentially more serious and more difficult to manage.

[Buffafly]

I feel for you. I definitely have AF so no NSAIDS but if I were you with no definite diagnosis I’d be tempted to ditch the DOAC and take the anti inflammatory meds. It’s your life and your decision on risk/benefit. I’m not giving advice, nobody shout! just saying there is a choice.

[Broseley in reply to Buffafly]

Yes, a GP told me I could stop them if I want! I wouldn't take NSAIDs all the time, just when the sciatica, back, hip, shoulder or knee pain gets too bad.

[MTBCyclist]

Hi An anti inflammatory diet may help, I am a big believer in Turmeric, taking a teaspoon in a Yakut with some black pepper every day. I am sure it helped my PAFIB after a flare up from a COVID jab.

[Broseley in reply to MTBCyclist]

Thanks. I think there is an issue with turmeric and blood thinners though?