Did you know that having AF can increase your risk of an AF-related stroke?

[TracyAdmin]

AF can cause blood to pool inside the heart. A clot can form and then travel up to the brain, causing an AF-related stroke. Learn more about the connection between your heart and your brain and how to protect yourself.

Learn more about how you can protect yourself by viewing our resource: api.heartrhythmalliance.org...

For further advice or information contact: [e-mail]

[Rosie1066]

Yes, I did know and that’s why I’m very grateful I am on Warfarin.

[trevs7 in reply to Rosie1066]

Hi Rosie,

Out of interest, why are you on Warfarin and not on a DOACs such as Apixaban?

As I understand it, you have to have regular blood checks with Warfarin, which you don't need with DOACs.

Trev

[oscarfox49]

I didn't until July 2nd 2020 when I had a stroke. I actually thought up to then that my AF was under control. I also thought that the aspirin I took daily on my doctor's instructions gave me total protection! I hope there are not too many AF sufferers who have to learn the dangers of stroke from AF in the same way as me!

(Happy to report that I am significantly recovered after nearly four years! I was one of the 'lucky' ones though!)

[TracyAdmin Partner in reply to oscarfox49]

Oscarfox49 - Thank you for sharing your experience with all the Members, unfortunately, your experience is not the first one received by the Patient Services Team, so many are unaware of the vital importance taking an anticoagulant can be in providing protection from an AF-related stroke.

Aspirin is no longer recognised as an effective treatment of AF and if anyone has been advised to take as an alternative, then please contact your doctor for a review.

I have also sent you a chat message on the Forum.

Kind regards

TracyAdmin

booklet

[Silvasava]

I'm another one who's Afib was discovered after I had a stroke. Luckily I was thrombolised so recovered completely but I've been on Edoxaban since and no adverse side effects.

[TracyAdmin Partner in reply to Silvasava]

Good Morning, I am sorry to read about your experience Silvasava, I would be really interested to hear more about your journey, would you mind contacting our Patient Services Team; [e-mail]

I look forward to hearing from you in due course.

Many thanks

Tracy Admin

[ochinee]

"AF can cause blood to pool inside the heart. A clot can form and then travel up to the brain, causing an AF-related stroke."

"Inside" your heart or in the LAA?

[Vonnegut]

Of course we all know that but I was told by an EP that only if you had long episodes with a very high heart rate.

[Sixtychick]

Didn’t know there was a blood clot awareness month!!

My Mum had a mini stroke in her 80’s and I never realised she actually had AFib then, so that is what probably caused her stroke. She refused to take Warfarin, as my Dad had died in 1986, at 69, from a brain hemorrhage and the Dr said then, that it was probably the Warfarin that he was taking for a DVT in his leg, that caused his death. There was no DOAC’s then, so my Mum had 3 more mini strokes. She was lucky they were only mini strokes. Pity the DOAC’s weren’t available then, as my Dad might not have died, had he been on them and my Mum might not have had the strokes either, although she lived till 93 years old, despite the strokes. My AFib, must be hereditary. Just hoping the ablation I had in September, keeps the AFib away. I have to stay on anti- coagulants for life though, but I’m now gradually coming off the Sotalol tablets. I thought they’d take me off the anti- coagulants as well as the Sotalol.

[Tomred]

Hi tracey , i have af but wont be given anti coagulant until im 65 as chads score 0, but i would feel much better on anticoagulant , can i demand to be put on one , im in n.ireland.