Atrial Flutter and Blood Thinners

[Brynsiriol]

Hello Everyone, I am nearly 81 years old and have been diagnosed with a Persistent Atrial Flutter. I was on the operating table 2 years ago to have my varicose veins treated and the surgeon would not operate due to a low heart rate. After some tests I was fitted with a linq device (In my chest). 3 months ago. A letter off my Cardiologist says I have a persistent Atrial flutter and my GP would like to start me on Apixaban to combat the risk of stroke . I have been sent a booklet on this medication but it only seems to refer to atrial fibrillation not flutter, so a bit confused. I’m also wondering about the risk of bleeding as I bruise easily as my skin is thin and it often tears if I knock it .

I take 1 tablet a day for high blood pressure and one for cholesterol.

Any advice would be extremely welcome .

[Shar28]

Hello. My mum was on Apixaban from the age of 85, because she had a TIA due to undiagnosed AF and was at risk of a stroke. It prevented further strokes. She was already on Bisoprolol and Candesartan, an ARB, for blood pressure.

There’s lots of information about both flutter and fibrillation on the AF Association website. Here’s the link

heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

All the best.

[Brynsiriol in reply to Shar28]

Thank you very much , the link is very useful.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Although Atrial Flutter and Atrial Fibrillation are different conditions they are treated much the same way. Typically Biososopol or an antiarrhythmic are perscribed to prevent the heart rate going to high. Also as both conditions carry the risk of blood pooling and forming a clot so a blood thinner or anticoagulant are perscribed. Depending on the individual other drugs like blood pressure medication may be perscribed.

The BHF website has various information pages. You could also ring the BHF nurses for additional information.

[Brynsiriol in reply to MichaelJH]

Thank you very much for the information.