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Anyone with occasional Afib NOT on a blood thinner?
Seems a gray area exists between constant Afib and no Afib: What about those with occasional Afib?
1) A couple of hours long, once every 3 months?
2) A couple days long, once every 3 months?
I am curious how folks with occasional Afib handle the blood thinner question? Personally, I talked my cardiologist (replacement cow valve) 2 years ago into letting me stop blood thinners due to going almost a year w/o an Afib episode, the ridiculously high cost, and my woodshop/powerTools/chainsaw/woodCutting/mechanical lifestyle.
Along same lines, anyone know of natural blood thinners that could be used for occasional episodes?
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Ok. thank you!
I had my first A-fib episode in February 2021. Went to the ER where they prescribed Albuterol, because I complained about shortness of breath. After taking the albuterol for two or three weeks, I went into A-fib again. Lung doctor told me to throw the albuterol away, because that's what set it off the second time. The reason for going to the lung doctor, was because there was a small Nodule found on my lung; which he wasn't concerned about. My cardiologist said it was up to me if I wanted to be put on blood thinners. I opted not to be. It has now been six months since the last A-fib episode. I have cut out sugar alot. Taking supplements for cholesterol levels. I have lost weight because of another issue I'm now dealing with; which one of the symptoms is extreme weight loss; achalasia type 111. So hopefully when I get it taken care of, I can become more active and exercise more. I'll be seeing the cardiologist in December and hopefully get some questions answered.
Good heavens albuterol for shortness of breath is possible malpractice. If you heart has an arrhythmia and pulse is high you are going to be short of breath.
Offering blood thinners after one episode is also inappropriate. Wow.
I take magnesium at night and drink low sodium V-8 (potassium) in the morning. I don't eat after 5 because reclining with food in me is a trigger.
I hope you continue to do well and have better medical care!
Interesting, I wonder if my cardiologist would allow me to take this vs. a blood thinner that I cant afford or one that is a pain to take and deal with?
I doubt that an MD would prescribe it. There is a forum for "lone afib" where some people take it. It is not regulated, I believe. Google natto and nattokinase. There are other kinases too. I see there are nattokinase capsules on the market. But do you need a blood thinner? How often do you have afib?
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?
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
I am curious about why you would be willing to experiment with an unregulated supplement at a cost of $20 or more per month, and not be willing to take a long-proven drug like warfarin/coumadin where effectiveness, dosage, side effects and monitoring practices are well-established? If you have Medicare, generic warfarin costs $5/month or less, and with Part B your share of blood test is also about $5.
Can you share your thinking with us?
Sue
I will do the Warfarin if need be. I have heard the side effects are not great.
My mother took warfarin for over 6 years with no notable side effects, just monthly blood monitoring. As far as I can tell, most side effects are the result of inadequate monitoring. My friend has taken it for over 10 years for Afib, she just switched to one of the newer ones so she can be done with monthly blood checks (once regulated.)
Sue