Question: I have been diagnosed with irregular heart beat/a-fib. I am in excellent health, blood pressure normal, age 56, don't smoke, never had heart attack and I exercise and eat very well. I currently take 25 mg Toprol. Two years ago I had a episode where my skipping beats started to turn into full a-fib, lasting three to four hours. My cardiologist recommended I take 2 Propafenone 225 mg to stop afib. ( I only take when I have an episode) This works every time, the episodes last from 4-8 hrs before returning to sinus rhythm. These episodes are occurring more often and have taken myself to ER twice in last two months. During my time in ER normal heart rhythm returns from me taking the Propafenone earlier on. We have agreed to pursue heart ablation to hopefully correct the problem. Here's my question? My cardiologist has never suggested I go on blood thinners because I don't fit the mode where I would need to. (My cardiologist is Awesome and I completely trust his advise) This past Saturday I headed to ER because I went into Afib for 7 hrs and took the side of caution. My Cardiologist on vacation for two weeks and his younger partner came in and told me I had to go on blood thinners, well I challenged him, and mention that his partner never thought it was necessary.
Scheduled to see Electrophysiologist next week for first time. I am concerned should I be on blood thinners or would aspirin be good enough. My Cardiologist is still out on vacation so I cant get his advise.
Your professional advise would be welcomed.
Thank You, XXXXXXX