Aspirin/Eliquis

[BeatyBumper12]

I developed afib 12 years ago after surgery to replace my mitral valve (pig valve). Due to that and some other arrhythmia episodes I was put on flecainide and baby aspirin in addition to the metoprolol I was already on. I also ended up with a pacemaker. The arrhythmias have been well controlled until a year and a half ago when I had a four hour episode of a fib. I was immediately put on Eliquis and told I’d have to take it ifor the rest of my life. Then last week when I was in for my regular follow up cardiac check my cardiologist told me to stop the Eliquis and start taking a baby aspirin a day again. I was so surprised I couldn’t really think of many questions and don’t remember the answers to those that I did. I don’t understand why and he didn’t really give a good explanation other than I hadn’t had an episode for a year. Have any of you had a similar experience? Has the protocol for treating afib changed? Do you have an opinion about this? I am an 80 year old female.

[BobD Volunteer]

I am puzzled and appalled by his advice. You have AF and may even be asymptomaatic (not be aware of events) so this strikes me as being cavalier to say the least. I know that aspirin use is common in some cardiac conditions especially replacement valves but is not adviseable with AF as it does not provide the same protection against stroke. In your position I would try and get a second opinion. I haven't knowingly had an AF event since 2009 but have no intention of ever stopping my anticoagulant.

[Afibwinner in reply to BobD]

I had a pacemaker transplanted in September. Prior to surgery was on Eliquis, two weeks after placed on Plavix for 6 months and now I am on 1 baby aspirin daily. This is the protocol at my hospital. My electrophysiologist is Yale trained. Prior to pacemaker had a Watchman implanted to prevent clots. I am pleased with the protocol folllowed.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Afibwinner]

The watchman is what allows you to stop anticoagulation. Simple.

[Afibwinner in reply to BobD]

It seems that the Watchman is highly recommended for patients with afib.

[wilsond]

Yes,I have an opinion! Second opinion or change your cardiologist. Also if you can,get an urgent referral to an Electrophysiologist. This cannot be right ,in my personal opinion.

Aspirin is not effective against stroke risk of AF.

AF can recur at any time,either symptomatic or asymptomatic.

I suggest that ,if you have any difficulty getting an appointment to discuss this, try the consultants secretary.

Best wishes

[OzJames]

I’m 66 and am symptomatic with my AF. In the last 12 months I’ve had AF once for a few hours. I also have an Apple Watch which can detect AF and alert me. Having said that it would be unlikely to alert me if an episode only happens once and only lasts 15 minutes. My Cardiologist also has me on baby aspirin, My Chad score is 1. If I go into AF more than a few hours then I must start Eliquis for 30 days after the termination of my AF. He has also suggested that if my AF becomes more regular then he will put me on Eliquis full time

[Alemo27]

having paroxysmal episodes of afib for many years, the Eliquis was prescribed -5mg twice a day. And if it’s not serious bleeding happening , yes to take it f/the rest of life .I have also read that after age of 80 and having body weight 60 kg , the amount of Eliquis can be lowered.