Anyone with occasional Afib NOT on a blood thinner?

Posted by yorlik @yorlik, Nov 8, 2020

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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group.

@sueinmn

From WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1084/nattokinase
Please note that any supplement or substance that operates to thin blood should be discussed with your provider before use, especially if you take ANY medications or have any heart, blood or circulatory issues.
Sue

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Ok. thank you!

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@windyshores

I have afib about once a year- since 2015. When it happens it is dramatic and my pulse goes up over 180, I get very short of breath, chest pain and so on. I end up in an ambulance. My blood pressure is very low normally and diltiazem lowers it further, so I end up in observation in the ICU. I usually convert in 2-7 hours.

They did an echo the last time to make sure I had no clots in my heart.

I declined blood thinners in 2015. After a few years my cardiologist said I was probably right and they were "overmedicating" people. The criteria changed for females (I am over 65) so not I meet the guidelines for no blood thinners.

There are natural blood thinners. Nattokinase? Eating natto is one way. But no way to measure so I would never try it. Eventually I will need blood thinners and will only consider one that has an easy antidote.

So yes, I have afib and am not on a blood thinner.

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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.

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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!

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@windyshores

From Sloan Kettering: · Nattokinase is an extracelluar enzyme secreted by the bacterium Bacillus subtilis, used to ferment boiled or steamed soybeans resulting in a preparation called nattō. Nattō has been consumed as food in Japan for several centuries. Nattokinase is also available as a supplement and is most known for its effects on prevention and treatment of clots and to improve blood circulation.

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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?

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@hmccarth5

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?

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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?

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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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@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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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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@hmccarth5

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?

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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

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@sueinmn

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

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I will do the Warfarin if need be. I have heard the side effects are not great.

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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

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