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I am currently 75 male. I had AFIB for years (1998) and had a major stroke in 2022 (bleeding) I believer the stroke was caused by taking naproxen with Eliquis after knee surgery. Never take any NSAIDs medication with Eliquis or Pradaxa. I had the chemical Cardioversion one time which was not successful. I refused to do the ablation (Cauterization) which will burn the heart tissue. The cardiologist suggested to install a Watchman and I did. Having leakage after Watchman was installed. Another procedure to plug the leakage. Fast forward to this last June, I was hospitalized for pneumonia. After I was release from the hospital, my AFIB appeared to be gone. No more AFIB detected for at least 6 months now. My reasoning for not doing cauterization is because it is irreversible, i.e. once the heart tissue is burnt or killed, it will never grow back. I was told I still have to take blood thinning medication after cauterization. And if the tissue is not completely dead, there may be a slim chance of the heart will repair itself however small a chance it may be. Please understand I am not suggesting you should do the same. If you keep taking the blood thinning medication Eliquis or Pradaxa and avoid major trauma to your head, you should be fine. The cardiologist told me too much coffee could cause AFIB. I did change my habit of drinking much less coffee and more exercise consistently. I am now a true believer of having good diet and consistent exercise will help. Good luck and stay healthy.
Replies to "I am currently 75 male. I had AFIB for years (1998) and had a major stroke..."
re: you comment that "My reasoning for not doing cauterization is because it is irreversible, i.e. once the heart tissue is burnt or killed, it will never grow back."
This is from email from the company that makes (and aggressively markets) the Watchman:
The WATCHMAN FLX and WATCHMAN FLX Pro Devices are permanent implants designed to close the left atrial appendage in the heart in an effort to reduce the risk of stroke.
With all medical procedures there are risks associated with the implant procedure and the use of the device. The risks include, but are not limited to, accidental puncture of the heart causing fluid to collect around the heart possibly leading towards the need for an additional procedure, allergic reaction, anesthesia risks, altered mental status or confusion after procedure, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), bleeding or throat pain from the TEE (Trans Esophageal Echo) probe, chest pain/discomfort, congestive heart failure, renal failure, excessive bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, groin puncture bleed, bruising at the catheter insertion site, groin pain, anemia (reduced red blood cells requiring transfusion), hypotension, infection/pneumonia (example: in or around your heart or lungs), misplacement of the device, improper seal of the appendage or movement of device from appendage wall, clot formation on the device, blood clot or air bubbles in the lungs or other organs, stroke, transient ischemic attack (temporary stroke-like symptoms), cranial bleed (bleeding in or around your brain), thrombosis (blockage of a blood vessel or vein by a clot) and in rare cases death can occur.
Be sure to talk with your doctor so that you thoroughly understand all of the risks and benefits associated with the implantation of the device. SH-2109508-AA
@andrewc999 two large studies have shown no correlation with caffeine and afib. There is so many things you can associate with causing afib, most are just a chance association. I have been in and out of afib for nearly a year. Twice I went into normal sinus rhythm for days, after high caffeine consumption. Does that mean caffeine knocked me out of afib? Probably not!
@andrewc999
I had bi-weekly Afib that was violent and relentless for 10-12 hours. Pacemaker installed at early stage. Had ablation that knock wood will continue to offer relief from Afib. Like you, I don't tolerate coffee or tea much anymore not only for heart health but for digestive complications. I'm 76. Isn't aging fun? I have had to develop a more philosophical bent these recent years. Every day is a gift.
For me only one quarter cup coffee from the US or one quarter cup coffee ice cream sets my heart off. Keep up the good diet. God bless.
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@andrewc999 you are spot on with use of NSAIDS. And, coffee. I love coffee but it puts my Bp through the roof. So, no Coffee with Bailey Irish Cream for Christmas morn. I feel so good just 3 days from PFA. Like the old me. Walked in the brisk morning air here in Western TN. Life is good. I will remain on Eliquis for life. Hope and pray to get off everything else. Time will tell. Watchman would be my next option. Good Luck to you Andrew. You are doing all the right things.