HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Is It Required To Have Blood Thinners When Episodes Of Afib Are In Control?

I m taking 50mg (25mg twice day) metoprolol for hypertension and 150mg (75mg twice day) flecainide for afib. I ve been on flecainide for 2 months and have had no afib episodes apart from a couple during the first 2 weeks of taking flecainide. Prior to this, over the past 10 years, my afib episodes went from about a few times a year lasting 3 - 4 hours, to a few times a month, to a few times a week lasting about 12 hours each time. I had to take something because of the discomfort and danger of stroke. Both seem under control with meds. Why would I be prescribed a blood thinner (either Apixaban, Riveroxaban of Dabigatran (whichever my drug plan covers)) if I don t have any episodes of afib. I take low dose Aspirin daily but am very reluctant to progress to the new blood thinners.
Tue, 31 Mar 2015
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hi welcome to HCM.
I understand your query and concern.
Blood thinners are absolutely useful in your case to control the atrial fibrillation.You are currently placed on excellent drug list.Out of all Apxixaban will work with good efficacy.I advise you to have a baseline 2 dimensional echocardiography,ECG and lipid profile to assess the basic cardiac reserve of your heart.Restrict the intake of salt to less than 6g/day.Regular physical exercise in the form of brisk walk for 20 min a day for 5 days a week is pretty useful.Drugs like antihypertensives like metolar xl and antiarrhythmics like sotalol will help.Reduce the intake of fatty and fried food.One pomegranate a day will help to keep your heart at good pace without clot formation in atrial fibrillation. Overall the outcome in your case is excellent with the current drug list.Consult a Cardiologist for further expert management.Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
Is It Required To Have Blood Thinners When Episodes Of Afib Are In Control?

Hi welcome to HCM. I understand your query and concern. Blood thinners are absolutely useful in your case to control the atrial fibrillation.You are currently placed on excellent drug list.Out of all Apxixaban will work with good efficacy.I advise you to have a baseline 2 dimensional echocardiography,ECG and lipid profile to assess the basic cardiac reserve of your heart.Restrict the intake of salt to less than 6g/day.Regular physical exercise in the form of brisk walk for 20 min a day for 5 days a week is pretty useful.Drugs like antihypertensives like metolar xl and antiarrhythmics like sotalol will help.Reduce the intake of fatty and fried food.One pomegranate a day will help to keep your heart at good pace without clot formation in atrial fibrillation. Overall the outcome in your case is excellent with the current drug list.Consult a Cardiologist for further expert management.Post your further queries if any. Thank you.