Cardiologist suggests I can stop taking Eliquis. Any thoughts?

Posted by dsisko @dsisko, Nov 18, 2020

I have been on Eliquis for about 2 years now for afib. I had a successful ablation at Mayo in Rochester in August 2019 and have had no afib incidents that I’m aware of since that time. I track my pulse with my iwatch and regularly track my blood pressure. Both are fine. I’ve been of the understanding that I need to take Eliquis for the rest of my life, however, my cardiologist in Florida has suggested that I could stop taking the Eliquis. Has anyone had a similar situation or has stopped Eliquis because of a successful ablation?

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gloaming | @gloaming | Mar 9 7:10pm

In reply to @splendrous "Thanks for posting. Would like to understand the dental procedure that caused the gum infection that..." + (show)

The link between periodontal disease, gingivitis, and infections linked to post-operative care have been studied for several decades now because of what was suspected to be subsequent, and consequent, pericarditis, myocarditis, and valve disease. Even flossing inflamed gums can launch bacteria into the blood freed when the floss disrupts infected gum tissue, which travels directly to the heart where it causes untold problems.

splendrous | @splendrous | Mar 9 7:23pm

In reply to @saganjames "My gum infection occurred after a crown was put on to complete a tooth implant procedure...." + (show)

Thanks.

lilymarie | @lilymarie | Mar 9 8:28pm

In reply to @lindy9 "Glad you are not drinking it, but obviously not the culprit in your case. Thanks for..." + (show)

Yes. I had never heard of diet coke being the culprit. I have a dear friend who quite addicted to diet soda. Truly heart-breaking. Unfortunately, nothing I can say could help her see the light. ~Thanks for sharing. ~Lilymarie

lindy9 | @lindy9 | Mar 9 9:13pm

In reply to @lilymarie "Yes. I had never heard of diet coke being the culprit. I have a dear friend..." + (show)

Yes. It is very addictive and hard to quit.

gloaming | @gloaming | Mar 9 10:12pm

In reply to @splendrous "Thanks for posting. Would like to understand the dental procedure that caused the gum infection that..." + (show)

Deleted...my previous post did not appear when I opened the notification. Sorry...

k09 | @k09 | Mar 24 5:55am

In reply to @saganjames "My AFIB and getting off drugs story, updated as of 3/7/25: I had AFIB, severe left..." + (show)

@saganjames

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

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Curious about your thoughts on the ILR. I had a successful ablation in 2022 and currently not on Eliquis. My Apple watch and Kardia detected possible episodes of Afib a few times over the last couple months. (I tested after having palpitations and seeing up to 6% on the watch. BTW, is this a new feature, as I have only seen these notices since December). My cardiologist wanted to put me on a heart monitor for about a month. I am very sensitive to the patches placed on the skin with the monitor. He suggested the ILR since the recordings of occurrences were sporadic over several months. I am somewhat apprehensive about it but also want to monitor possible Afib episodes. Thank you in advance for your response.

saganjames | @saganjames | Mar 24 10:55am

In reply to @k09 "Curious about your thoughts on the ILR. I had a successful ablation in 2022 and currently..." + (show)

Here is my prior post on this topic:

A loop recorder is not typically monitored in real-time, meaning it doesn't continuously send every heartbeat signal to a doctor. Instead, it continuously records heart rhythm and only transmits data when it detects an abnormal event or at scheduled intervals, allowing for review later by a healthcare provider; essentially, it acts as a long-term heart monitor that stores data for analysis when needed.
It's a pretty standard recommendation. I refused it about 21 months ago after one dizzy event that turned out to be unrelated to my heart. We are all different, but in my case I felt that my cardiologist was rushing me into it. Check out the downsides of everything. Fortunately, I made the right decision for my situation.
Regards,
Sagan

aldap | @aldap | Mar 25 9:14am

In reply to @k09 "Curious about your thoughts on the ILR. I had a successful ablation in 2022 and currently..." + (show)

I had an ILR placed after my ablation in 2018 and never had any arrythmias recorded. It died about 3 1/2 yrs after being place and I opted not to have it removed.
It records daily and sends info to a monitoring service who then complies a report at the end of the month and sends report to your doctor. I requested my doctor to send me the monthly reports so I could keep track myself.
Also it is my understanding that if the monitoring company sees any real problems with the recording, they will notify your doctor immediately and not just wait to send report.
I too use Apple watch now for ongoing monitoring of AFIB and I get regular reports saying that my AFIB activity has been less than 2% this period. I asked and was told the watch will never say you have had zero signs of AFIB activity.
I would not hesitate to get ILR, everything to gain and nothing to lose.

dmaz | @dmaz | Mar 25 10:37am

If you are in a fib for more than 5 hours, blood may pool in the left atrial appendage and increase your risk of a stroke. With the absence of AFib or an episode lasting less than 5 hours the risk of stroke could be minimal. Many people are at risk for other complications while using blood thinners such as head injuries or other traumatic events. Falling and bumping your head could cause bleeding, automobile accidents where a laceration takes place, etc. The cardiologist wants you to be on blood thinners for your safety yet your safety could be compromised while on them. The fact remains that doctors do push drugs. Whoever writes that first prescription gets the credit. Be your own advocate, do your own research.

mcordeiro | @mcordeiro | Mar 26 11:18am

Interesting post. My new cardiologist suggested I begin taking Eliquis for life, 4 1/2 years after a successful Mitral Valve Replacement, MAZE procedure and cardioversion. I've been on Eliquis when I was originally diagnosed with Afib and had no issues, however I'm reluctant to add another med if not needed. I've seen 2 different cardiologist before this one and no one mentioned Eliquis for life for me. So....I call this type of medicine "dueling doctors". I'm doing my research and then will make a decision. The bleeding issues concerns me with this drug because I'm older now and as seniors at high risk for trips and falls whcih could be dangerous

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