Cardiologist suggests I can stop taking Eliquis. Any thoughts?

I had my ablation performed in 2017. Since that time I have not had one episode of AFIB. I also had a ILR which lasted about 3 1/2 years before the battery died. I didn't have the ILR removed because there really is no need to unless it seems to bother you. I stopped all anticoagulant drugs except for 81mg aspirin. I exercise regularly 4 times a week, I wear my Apple watch to monitor my fitness and test for AFIB. My Apple watch has never detected signs of AFIb, but the standard response every month is that you have had less than 2% of AFIB signs, which means none.

Well, I must have an Energizer Bunny for an ILR, since here it is, Year #5, still going strong! When it dies, I will be happy to have the thing removed. There is a slight risk of infection or irritation if it remains, but mostly it is just its lumpy presence that is bothersome to me.
My cardiologist did suggest low-dose aspirin to me since I went off Eliquis, but somehow that was never pursued further….
In retrospect, my EP was a bit too eager to greenlight the implant, as rhythm perturbances are all too common in that first year following an ablation. It might have been more sensible to wait and see. We could have monitored
the episodes with another device, like a smart watch or another Ziopatch. Hindsight is always 20/20!
At the time of my ablation, my AF episodes were calculated to be at around a 2% burden, so not understanding why the Apple watch would dismiss yours as not meaningful? Did you run the rhythm strips by your EP? 🤔

Thank you, Sagan. I have the same in my fridge currently, organic pomegranate juice and, same, 2 ounces but not every day. I have the issue of being a kidney stone grower (18 were discovered in 2018, spend one night in hospital with plenty of morphine as one got stuck) so no oxalates for me which sadly means reducing many of my favorite foods including almonds. I do enjoy one walnut a day though. Between the heart diet and the oxalate free diet I do my best to stay updated on each in order to stave off any more strokes and stones (unfortunately I have more stones currently, but only 4 and they have been stable for a year or so. It comes with Medullary Sponge Disease, both kidneys). I am new to these forums. I am 73 and now have a laptop. I appreciate any words of wisdom from others who struggle with similar issues. Thank you for your feedback. All the best, Lily

hi - you can calculate your risk using the Garfield calculator.
https://af.garfieldregistry.org/garfield-af-risk-calculator
And then consider Mayo Clinic data [opinion of experts.]

Lilymarie - Every person I know that has had kidney stones, drinks diet coke. Can I add you to the list?

My AFIB and getting off drugs story, updated as of 3/7/25:
I had AFIB, severe left atrial regurgitation (mitral valve not opening properly), no comorbidities. Valve problem caused it all; the valve problem was caused by a dental procedure that led to a gum infection, that went to my heart valve. It’s not that uncommon from what I understand.
Everyone is different, but here is my experience for what it's worth. I had mitral valve repair, ablation, and LAAC at 78, two years and 10 months ago. No more AFIB (it can work permanently). I exercise and eat smartly (low in calories, sugar, salt, and caffeine). I got off Eliquis after four months by wearing a heart monitor for 30 days to be sure AFIB was gone. I had to push my cardiologist to put me on the monitor. My last vital stats while sitting were 119/68, heart rate 68. I have also weaned myself off of 12.5mg metoprolol daily and 81mg aspirin daily. I read a recent JAMA article that said low dose aspirin causes brain bleeding over time. Now it is recommended only for stroke and heart attack victims as I understand it. I have also read that metoprolol interferes with sodium and sugar levels. Too low an amount of sugar or salt can cause dizziness as I read it. Vitals and alertness are better than ever. Daily, I do take a magnesium glycinate supplement containing 29% of RDA. Pure Encapsulations is the best brand I have found. I have read that magnesium and moderate exercise help folks to stay out of AFIB. I had a great surgeon at WakeMed in Raleigh, Dr. Boulton, who did all of the heart stuff. That was key of course. He also supports magnesium supplements. Overall, I feel extremely fortunate.
More: After a dizzy event about 20 months ago, where many tests found absolutely no signs of anything abnormal, my cardiologist wanted me to have a loop recorder implanted (standard recommendation I guess). I said no for a host of loop recorder concerns and have been fine as wine ever since. My best research indicated that the probable cause of my dizziness was the metoprolol I took, combined with too low sodium and sugar intake that day as I had cut the lawn and also had done a full exercise regimen. Off metoprolol now as I said and doing fine 20 months later. Hope this helps others. Also, everyone should read "Undoctored”: Why Health Care Has Failed You and How You Can Become Smarter Than Your Doctor."
To repeat, everyone is different, but that's my particular story. I'm not saying that doctors are all wrong or all bad, just that you likely have the time to sort things out better than they can for your particular circumstances. Lastly, be sure to read "The AFIB Cure" if you have not done so already.
Regards,
Sagan

Seriously? I never heard that before but, no, any soda of any kind has been off my list since probably around 1994.

Thanks for posting. Would like to understand the dental procedure that caused the gum infection that caused the valve problem. I would like to know since I think I have a gum infection. Great news on your progress.