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DOAC use for short Atrial Fib episode in 93 yo active male
Heart Rhythm Conditions | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (16)Comment receiving replies
@harveywj so sorry for your father's (and your) experience. (I could relate thinking of my mother.) This story perfectly illustrates the "rock and a hard place" many of us find ourselves in, and the need to balance risk and benefit in considering anticoagulation.
After one 11 second record of afib in a month, it would seem that continued monitoring at home will help with decisions. If that pattern continues, discussion with a doctor on waiting on anticoagulation might be helpful, especially in the context of a CHADS score of 2. Or "pill in a pocket."
I continue to be offered anticoagulation by some cardiologists, in the ER and the hospital, but the EP I recently saw immediately suggested PIP for my infrequent (but dramatic) afib episodes. I feel caught in the same dilemma!
PT and OT can be helpful but I also rely on tai chi - a few times a week and at home. It helps with strength, balance and alignment and is relaxing. Stress is certainly a contributor to arrhythmias so that is another benefit.
I use a Kardia to document afib. If a person doesn't feel it, that might not be the best way to monitor though.
Replies to "@harveywj so sorry for your father's (and your) experience. (I could relate thinking of my mother.)..."
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Windy,
Your story is a perfect example of how to find a place to walk that fine line. I do not like one answer fits all people. Before I had frequent (monthly events that lasted from hours to 1-3 days) I always carried DOAC in my pocket. If I went into Afib I took it immediately. If converted in a matter of hours my EP was satisfied with taking just one. If it lasted for days then I did 30 days of eliquis. But then when Afib became more regular I just decided to say on it. But I'd sure give you my vote for what you are trying to do. I literally had a verbal fight with a PA who tried to force me to take DOACs. I kicked him out. Tai Chi is a great method to improve a person over all physical well being. I only mention physical therapy because 1. that is where all the studies are done 2. It is very easy to find a clinic that follows geriatrics in a special program thus making it easier for those with out your abilities to find a place to go.
I am also a cancer survivor. Age 53 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I saw 4 different urologists who all gave me from 5 to 10 years to live unless I was treated for it immediately. That was 2001.
I found a prostate oncologist and had multiple tests done bi-yearly and waited 6 years before I was treated. I am now 24 years since my diagnosis and 17 years since I started treatment which lasted 18 months. I am still in remission.
I am very cautious about when I am seeing an MD. I don’t jump and run at the first person who says you gotta do this or die. I've seen and or experienced 1st hand too much bad medicine. I am usually am pretty good a finding good medicine.
Cardio stuff is way out of my area of medicine but I know how to judge clinicians when I meet them and I know how to study and do research to at least give me a basic understanding of whatever I am dealing with .
But even then is so much one can do and then they have to a shot and hope for the best.