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Anyone with occasional Afib NOT on a blood thinner?

Heart Rhythm Conditions | Last Active: Jul 22 7:50am | Replies (97)
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@hmccarth5

I havent been in afib for a year or more now. I am told by 2 cardiologists that I need a blood thinner, I will have to do Warfin if it is an absolute from my cardio. doctor however I am looking into the Watchman also, yet I havent heard much great news about that. Mitraclip?

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Replies to "I havent been in afib for a year or more now. I am told by 2..."
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Oct 20, 2021

Here is a video from Mayo about using a device like the Watchman in place of anticoagulants: https://medprofvideos.mayoclinic.org/videos/pros-and-cons-of-left-atrial-appendage-occlusion-devices-versus-anticoagulation
Maybe it will answer some of your questions.
Sue

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windyshores | @windyshores | Oct 21, 2021

I got the same recommendation for 4 years and resisted. Then I saw a cardiologist who told me with afib that infrequently, I don't need a blood thinner. Now my original doc agrees and admits they "overmedicate." If you have an episode, they can check for a clot with an echocardiogram before you leave the hospital. Why would you have a device put in your heart if it has been a year since you had fib? Are you over 75? What are your CHADS scores? (there are two kinds of CHADS)?

Warfarin and other blood thinners certainly have side effects: like bleeding! I take care of my elderly mother who is on Warfarin.

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