Aspirin and Apixaban

[Myflowers2]

Does anyone take Aspirin and Apixaban. I had a heart attack and was put on low dose aspirin 11 years ago. When I had Atrial fibrillation in October last year they stopped the aspirin and put me on blood thinners Apixaban. My worry is that my arteries have really calcified had a C T scan to check and blood thinners make this happen aspirin doesn't. So just wondered if anyone is on both. I know it says you can't take them together. Going to try and get a docs appointment tomorrow.

[mjames1]

The decision is based on stroke risk (CHA2DS2-VASc score), bleeding risk (HAS-BLED score), and cardiac history. For atrial fibrillation with a prior heart attack and calcification, doctors may prescribe both a blood thinner and aspirin (dual antithrombotic therapy) or may choose one over the other. Unclear if you had a CT calcium scan, but if it was high, then further investigation may be needed and may also swing the pendulum toward aspirin or even a dual platelet therapy. You really need a good cardiologist to help make these types of decisions.

Jim

[Clearglass]

Hi

I had a heart attack last year I was put on ticagrelor blood thinners twice a day with an aspirin I took those for a year then the blood thinners stopped but I carried on taking the aspirin. In may whilst I was on holiday in Spain I was taken into hospital where they diagnosed AF as I was so short of breath and my feet and ankles were very swollen. In hospital they put me on Apixaban and stopped me taking the aspirin they increased the bisoprolo and I take furosemide.I haven’t really had any side affects.

[RoyMacDonald]

If you have a diagnosis of AF you need to be on anti clotting medication and especially given your age. Aspirin is a big NO NO if you have been diagnosed with AF and are on Apixaban, according to my GP. Statins give protection to arteries and that is what I'm on after an MRI scan and that's what the consultant put me on. (very low dose) I've never heard of Apixaban causing calcification before.

All the best.

Roy

[OzJames in reply to RoyMacDonald]

Roy did your GP clarify the big No for Aspirin? My cardiologist put me on Aspirin, my Chad is 1.

I’ve had AF for 31 years with episodes on average once every 5 years until 2022 I had one that year, one in 2023 and one in January 2024. Mind you when I go into AF I start immediately on Apixiban and stay on it for a month after it reverts.

[RoyMacDonald in reply to OzJames]

Aspirin causes stomach bleeding so Apixaban can make the bleeding worse is her logic. I believe it can eventually turn into an ulcer in the longer term. Paracetamol is all she recommends as a painkiller.

Apixaban is not meant to be taken for just a month. You take it permanently if you have a heart condition like AF. You are at risk of a stroke otherwise. Supposing you go into AF when you are asleep?

All the best.

Roy

[OzJames in reply to RoyMacDonald]

Thank you Roy I now understand what you’re saying yes my cardiologist also said don’t take them together. I am very symptomatic with AF and wear an Apple Watch which alerts for AF. He also said that a clot can start to build up when your in AF more than 24 hours. As a precaution he performed a TOE after each of my episodes. He went on to say if they become more frequent ie. 3 or 4 in a year then I’m on Apixiban full time. At this stage it appears I’m having one episode a year. He’s put me on low dose Flecainide and Metoprolol hopefully to prevent episodes.

[kocoach]

Hello Myflowers, I had a heart attack in 2017 with two stents being put in place and was put on baby aspirin but when my EP wanted to put me on Apixiban I refused it for years, he said it was my choice but on a visit with him with afib episodes getting more intense I relented and went on apixiban which I am still on to this day along with baby aspirin, its been about five or six years now on both with no problems, Thank GOD. I get calls from the anti-coagulant dept every six months to see if I am having problems with bleeding, rectal or otherwise. Good Luck with your decision.

[Myflowers2 in reply to kocoach]

Thank you for your reply. I never see anyone. Are you in England. Or America it seems people in America in this forum see cardiologist more.

[Desanthony in reply to Myflowers2]

You should ask to be referred to a Cardiologist or EP if you are not seeing one as these are the best people to discuss this with.

[kocoach in reply to Myflowers2]

I'm in the US. It's just the opposite with me as I see my EP more than Cardiologist, I get care from the VA Hospital care system. Hope you get the treatment plan that helps you best. Have a Great Day!