aspirin query

[intheweeds]

hi, I am have PAF and sometimes palpitation episodes that only happen when I lie down to sleep.

This has been going on for 10 months and I have had echo, ECGs and all the rest. I had to stop taking bisoprolol as it dropped my already low resting HR down to a dangerous level, so for this whole time I am not on any drugs. This is fine normally but i am scared about the risk of stroke when I am having an episode of AFib or palpitations. No medical people seem to be advising me. I already have a v healthy lifestyle and it’s like I am waiting for it to happen!

I am toying with the idea of taking baby aspirin to help lower the risk of stroke. It’s tricky to get a doctor to even call me so I feel on my own with this.

I would appreciate any thoughts you guys may have on aspirin.

Thanks!

[Tos92]

Hi intheweeds

I understand you feel like you’re in a bit of a dilemma at the moment but I don’t think it would be wise to start aspirin without consulting your doctor first just in case there is anything in your medical history or current regime of medications that may interact with it.

All the best with whatever you decide to do. I’m sure others will provide an insight accordingly.

Tos

[intheweeds in reply to Tos92]

Thanks for your reply which is good advice. I will aim to ask a doctor if i can.

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I am sorry that you are struggling with getting support from the medical professionals by getting your questions answered it is bad enough that we worry even worse if we cannot get an answer and to be able to talk thing through with at least our Doctor

Aspirin for those that need it are good but for those that don't they are not advised to be taken so your Doctor really is the one you need to talk to and I would make an appointment even if you have to wait a few weeks to get one and ask them and make sure they answer you

I am not sure if you have ever talked with the BHF Nurses but they are very good and even though they would not advise to take something before speaking with your Doctor they might have advice and suggestions and be able to answer some of your questions

I will add their number in case you feel it might be helpful to talk to them x

Heart Helpline team on 0300 330 3311 Mon-Fri 9-5pm

[intheweeds in reply to BeKind28-]

hi, thanks very much for your great reply. That number is so useful and I will make a point of using it. Thanks again

[BeKind28- in reply to intheweeds]

x

[Threecats]

Hi

I quite understand your concern, I’ve had PAF for a couple of years and, more recently, have gone into persistent AF. Stroke risk in AF is calculated using something called the CHADs2VASC score, This, in turn, has to be balanced against bleeding risk, which is done using another calculator called Has-Bled. CHADs2VASC is a system whereby points are added for certain risk factors ie age, diabetes etc. Anticoagulation is mandated if you score 2 or above, I understand. I only score1 point by dint of being female but don’t have any other risk factors so am not currently on anticoagulants, even though I’m in constant AF. Someone, preferably your cardiologist, should have gone through the stroke risk assessment with you. If no one has then I would suggest you make an appointment with your GP to discuss it. I’m afraid a number of studies have been done that show aspirin has no effect against clots produced as a result of AF and so it isn’t routinely given to AF sufferers unless they have other heart issues going on that warrant aspirin use.

My apologies for the essay but I hope it’s of some help!TC

[intheweeds in reply to Threecats]

thank you for your reply, which I find very interesting. Sounds like I am in a similar situation to you, although still in PAF. But no doubt it will become persistent eventually.

My CHAD score was same as yours if I recall it was 1 about 10 months ago. It is the stroke risk that worries me more than anything because I am not on anticoagulants, hence my aspirin query. I agree with you wise words and will not take anything without consulting a doctor.

Many thanks.

[Threecats in reply to intheweeds]

Yes, I do understand why you’re worried. I was, too but, a while back now, I paid to see one of the top EPs who works in Bart’s and he explained to me that it isn’t the AF that increases the stroke risk per se but rather, having any of the risk factors set out in CHADs2VASC combined with AF that increases the risk.

There was a post on the AF forum recently on the subject of taking ACs and someone posted a very helpful checklist produced by Dr Mandrola a US cardiologist:

drjohnm.org/2017/04/should-...

It might be of help in your discussions when you see your doctor.

Good luck.

[intheweeds in reply to Threecats]

So useful, many thanks! Honestly this forum is helpful to me with people like you taking time to help.

[Silvertail]

I have 100 mgs aspirin a day. It seems to be almost mandatory over here. I can't remember when or why I started it, though. Might have been when my BP was high. No GP or cardiologist has told me to stop taking it.

[intheweeds in reply to Silvertail]

thanks for replying. It’s funny how I thought we in UK also recommended daily aspirin, but now we don’t. It’s most confusing!

[Silvertail in reply to intheweeds]

The powers-that-be keep changing their minds. It's no wonder we get confused.🙄🤭

[Milmol14]

I was put on low does aspirin as there was a query as to whether I had had a mini stroke in A and E but on seeing stroke doctor he said he didn’t think I had. As far as I know there were no other risk factors involved so it all seems a bit random. Interestingly it has stopped my ocular migraines - I haven’t had one since taking it and that’s 7 months

[intheweeds in reply to Milmol14]

that’s very interesting. I definitely want to ask a doctor because the stroke risk is what worries me of course. Thanks for replying.