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Can General Anasthesia Cause A Fib. I Am A Health
Question: Can general anasthesia cause A Fib. I am a health 78 women. 2 years ago underwent shoulder surgery, a year ago under went foot surgery (have had numerous feet surgeries within a year or 2 apart previously). Also had cataract surgery. This week underwent finger surgery. A Fib was active during surgery ONLY on my shoulder and hand surgery. My electrolites also lowered to a dangerous level. I have had intensive echograms performed due to my age last one was April of this year). Nothing ever shows up. Now they put me on Equilis. The doctor says I need it or have a stroke. I feel I need more research. Extremely healthy, non smoker nor drinker. Take Vitamins, no diabities, cancer, heart condition, no cholesterol. I am 5 feet, weigh 115. Walk every day, or bike, eat an extremely heathy diet.
Thank you. XXXXXXX C. Soto
Thank you. XXXXXXX C. Soto
Brief Answer:
Use eliquis for several weeks before cardioversion.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor service.
I read your query and here is my advice.
It is true that general anesthesia can cause atrial fibrillation.
It is good that they put you on eliquis because you are in risk for stroke or systemic thrombosis.
Also you can use eliquis for several weeks before cardioversion ( convert your heart at normal rhythm).
Of course you need more evaluation like ECG and holter monitor, event recorder,
ecocardiograme, stress test.
The electrolyte disbalance is favorised by using diuretics or either by diarrhoea and vomiting.
Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Use eliquis for several weeks before cardioversion.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor service.
I read your query and here is my advice.
It is true that general anesthesia can cause atrial fibrillation.
It is good that they put you on eliquis because you are in risk for stroke or systemic thrombosis.
Also you can use eliquis for several weeks before cardioversion ( convert your heart at normal rhythm).
Of course you need more evaluation like ECG and holter monitor, event recorder,
ecocardiograme, stress test.
The electrolyte disbalance is favorised by using diuretics or either by diarrhoea and vomiting.
Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
You did not answer all my concerns. I had mentioned that 2 years ago I had shoulder surgery, a few days ago a syst removed from my hand. These two incidents had active A Fib.
However, I had a foot surgery AFTER the shoulder surgery and BEFORE hand surgery.
Also I had mentioned I have had numerous foot surgeries, and eye catarats before also with general anesthesia. Could it be the brand or type of anesthesia they used that caused that. I really need an answer on this.
For the last 4 years I have had a complete check up on my heart and they told me there was nothing wrong.
What I need to know is if this eliquis is something I can take for a few months and then try checking again. This doctor said I had to take it forever. I am not comfortable with this. Most doctors do not want to take the time to explain.
I guess I have to find a doctor that can take interest in my concerns.
Thanks, XXXXXXX Soto
However, I had a foot surgery AFTER the shoulder surgery and BEFORE hand surgery.
Also I had mentioned I have had numerous foot surgeries, and eye catarats before also with general anesthesia. Could it be the brand or type of anesthesia they used that caused that. I really need an answer on this.
For the last 4 years I have had a complete check up on my heart and they told me there was nothing wrong.
What I need to know is if this eliquis is something I can take for a few months and then try checking again. This doctor said I had to take it forever. I am not comfortable with this. Most doctors do not want to take the time to explain.
I guess I have to find a doctor that can take interest in my concerns.
Thanks, XXXXXXX Soto
Brief Answer:
See details below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
The onset of AF during surgery or post operation is not much related to the brand of anaesthesia but it is triggered by a complexity of things happening during surgery ( adrenergic stimulation, systemic inflammation, autonomic system activation by pain, hypotension, infection, electrolyte abnormalities or oxygenation).
There are no precise guidelines to say to continue the anticoagulant therapy in post-operation atrial fibrillation or not.
You should do frequent check-ups to check for ongoing AF. If you pass months or years without AF you can stop the Eliquis.
Your doctor is also prescribing you amiodarone (antiarrhythmic) so I guess you could be suffering from AF currently so you can't stop Eliquis.
Best regards.
See details below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
The onset of AF during surgery or post operation is not much related to the brand of anaesthesia but it is triggered by a complexity of things happening during surgery ( adrenergic stimulation, systemic inflammation, autonomic system activation by pain, hypotension, infection, electrolyte abnormalities or oxygenation).
There are no precise guidelines to say to continue the anticoagulant therapy in post-operation atrial fibrillation or not.
You should do frequent check-ups to check for ongoing AF. If you pass months or years without AF you can stop the Eliquis.
Your doctor is also prescribing you amiodarone (antiarrhythmic) so I guess you could be suffering from AF currently so you can't stop Eliquis.
Best regards.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Answered by
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