Unable to take anticoagulants with AF

[roger1952]

Hi I am very worried.

Recently diagnosed with AF but am unable to take anticoagulants due to other health issues. Presently on aspirin and beta blockers.

Anyone else in this situation please

Thanks

Roger

[roger1952]

I can't understand it, I have had an irregular pulse for the past 3 years on my previous ecg,s my gp said they were ectopic heartbeats and nothing at all to worry about. Now all of a sudden on my last ecg a week ago they told me I have AF. My pulse feels exactly the same as it has done for the past 3 years, it's just irregular, it doesn't beat fast or anything, I do get out of breath on exertion but I have copd. Apart from that I feel fine.

Thanks

Roger

[Hidden]

Roger can I suggest that you post this on the AF Association forum?

It seems to be much more active than this one and I'm fairly sure that you will get some helpful suggestions on there.

You may not need to take anticoagulants, it isn't a given that you have to. Have you checked your Chad score for instance? Also your heart rate doesn't necessarily have to be sky high with AF. My RHR when not in AF is around 50bpm and this goes upto around 90-100bpm when in AF and so almost within the "normal" range for non AF RHR.

I wonder why you are on beta blockers? I do take anticoagulant but nothing for the AF itself as, like you, I can live with it.

Anyway, air your concerns on the AF forum. There are people on there with far more knowledge than I have. The main thing though is "Don't Panic"!

[roger1952 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you the old buzzard, I have done what you suggest.

[Milliemayflower]

As I'm sure you know an irregular heartbeat isn't normal, it's strange however some patients wait years for diagnosis. Beta blockers can slow the heart rate, even at 100 bpm this can cause other symptoms like tiredness, and palpitations. Some sufferers of AF don't get many symptoms and are diagnosed from ECG's. Discuss with your dr your concerns about AF and anticoagulants.

Some meds can cause irregular heart rhythms, worth mentioning or discussing with your dr ( copd meds inhalers etc)

Take care