Anticoagulants

[roma60]

Since I am new to Afib, I am wondering, is everybody on anticoagulant meds?

I only take Aspirin 81 mg a day.

[Hidden]

Hello Roma, and welcome to the forum. Whether or not someone with AF is prescribed anticoagulants depends on the results of a CHADs2VASC test and this ought to have been discussed with you at the time of diagnosis. It’s a easy calculation based on a number of categories such as age, health issues and sex and the best thing is to Google it and do the simple calculation. If you score 1 then you are advised to consider taking an anticoagulant but if you score 2 or more, it is normally recommended that you should take an anticoagulant. There is also a HASBLED test which is similar but this assesses your risk of bleeding and if you, or a close family member has a history of spontaneous internal bleeding then you need input from a doctor to determine what’s best for you.

People often worry about excessive bleeding from cuts and scrapes and whilst it can take a little longer than normal to stem the flow, this is not normally a problem. I assume the aspirin was prescribed because of your other heart problems but you ought to be aware that here in the UK, aspirin is not recommended for AF but as it is likely to be an important part or your existing treatment, again it is important to discuss this with your Doctor. Aspirin can cause internal bleeds and that will be aggravated by an anticoagulant so make sure these points are covered with your Doctor.......hope this helps.

[Globe-J in reply to Hidden]

"aspirin is not recommended for AF" by some authorities

[Hidden in reply to Globe-J]

I think that point is included within my response but as it’s possible that roma60 might live in the States, therefore there may be other opinions which need to be considered......

[etheral in reply to Hidden]

No difference in recommendations for AC vs ASA in US. Aspirin may be prescribed as an antiplatelet drug for CAD but is worthless for, stroke prevention in Afib. Aspirin also increases your chances of a GI bleed which could be worse if you are taking an AC. If the doc feels an antiplatelet agent is necessary , there are other drugs available that don't increase chance of GI bleed.

[Hidden in reply to etheral]

Thanks for the information, unlike you I’m not medically trained therefore I need to be cautious when discussing prescribed medication........

[RoyMacDonald]

Aspirin is not recommended for AF because it can cause bleeds. There are modern drugs like Apixaban that do not cause bleeds as well as being an effective anticoagulant, and are well tolerated by the body. I'm on Apixaban. I'm 77.

All the best.

Roy

[Kingst]

I have mild AFIB and take nattokinase and an extract of Alnus Glutinosa. I have been severely damaged by pharmaceuticals in my life and simply have little faith in them. My GP thinks what I am doing is sufficient, whereas the 2 cardiologists I saw both wanted me to get on beta blockers and blood thinners. They couldn't tell me anything about my AFIB beyond an echocardiogram which showed a healthy heart. After coming to this forum I have learned that I should have had other tests before jumping into powerful drugs. So I am fine with my alternative treatments. I am seeing an electrophysiologist today hoping I can get an educated opinion just to confirm my very wise GP's.