stopping tablets

[Lfc1233]

Hello All, I had a successful cardio version 3 months ago and have been told today to stop all medication. Bisoprolol and apixaban. Just abit worried but is this normal?

Is the risk of stroke gone now I’m in sinus rhythm?

Thanks

[BobD Volunteer]

It all depends on what your CHADS2Vasc2 score is. If you have lone AF with no co-morbidities, a score of 0 and were only put on anticoagulants for the purpose of the cardioversion then anticoagulation is optional.

You can work out your own score quite easily but do remember that once given a score can not be removed so for example if your BP is fine but you are taking blood pressure meds the score still counts.

[opal11uk]

I wouldn't like to say, I have had only one ablation and that was my last, many members have had several, with or without drugs. I still take drugs but we are all different, I hope you remain in sinus but if you don't then I feel you are vulnerable to having a stroke but just my view.

[3killeens in reply to opal11uk]

Had my ablation 5 years it was a complete success 🙌 never been back in AF but still on all my meds .

[Wilkie1]

I had the same experience. Whilst as over 65 I had a CHADS2Vasc2 score of 1, both the cardiologist and the Electrophysiologist advised that 3 months after successful cardioversion for a first episode of Afib and with no further episodes of Afib over that period, that I should stop both bisoprolol and Apixaban.

[AmandaLouise77]

Try to come off the bisoprolol gradually, cutting the dose in half, then alternate days so that you don't shock your body by suddenlt dropping it!

[mjames1]

Just a bit worried but is this normal? Is the risk of stroke gone now I’m in sinus rhythm?

There is no normal or one size fits all.

The risk of stroke is never entirely gone whether or not you remain on anticoagulants.

The decision therefore is to weigh the risk of stroke versus the risk of being on the anticoagulant itself. A decision that should be shared with a trusted physician who knows your complete medical history.

As far as the bisoprolol is concerned, in many cases it's suggested to wean off gradually to help prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Jim

[Buzby62]

I came off the same two meds following my ablation review (see my bio) , I was both excited and nervous, I was told to just stop without tapering. Immediately felt more energy and less breathless, heart rate and blood pressure was elevated a bit after a few days but then settled after a few more days and all fine since. We’re all different and these meds are a saviour if you need them but they certainly have side effects that you can do well without if you don’t need them in my opinion.

Best wishes

[2learn]

Hi, you don't say your age or drug dosage. What your HR now on Biso. If its over 70 you may still need a small dose and blood thinners I thought were pretty standard for life if AF liable. Depending to some extent on age, more chance of being permanent if older

[Desanthony]

Not unusual after a younger person who had a successful cardioversion at the same time as I had my first successful cardioversion was told to stop all medication straight away - someone older than me was told to carry on taking all medication until they would be weaned off bisoprolol later and I just carried on with anticoagulants - I was 75/76 at the time.