Connect
New to Afib, blood thinners and beta blocker
Hello - I'm an otherwise healthy 55 year old female, diagnosed with afib 1.5 years ago. The dr. that diagnosed it immediately prescribed warfarin and metoprolol. My regular dr. was away at the time, and when she returned 3 months later, she said "I probably would have only put you on aspirin" - because I am otherwise healthy. No other risk of stroke, my bp is fine, blood sugar is fine, no history of heart attack, etc. But she decided to run the tests and try to determine my afib trigger, so I have since had an echo to check my heart's mechanical health (its good), sleep apnea test (I have mild, and am now on a device that treats it), and I've quite drinking alcohol. I saw an internist that decided I had alcohol induced afib. However, I suspect that my afib may also be triggered by hormone fluctuations caused by the peri-menopause I'm going through, but every dr. I've suggested it to says probably not, hard to prove. Ever since I was put on the 2 meds, I have been asking to get off them. "My" dr. wanted me to go through all the tests, and then decide. I live in a small remote town, and "my" dr. only works half time, so I am constantly seeing a new dr. The last new dr. I had basically said I have no choice but to stay on the drugs. She actually said the words "why do you want to get off the meds". I'm still flabbergasted. I've refused to go back and see that one. I have an appt. this week with yet another dr. to review my sleep apnea results, and maybe since it's under control, I will be able to get off the warfarin. But what about the beta blocker? Has anyone every been on warfarin and a beta blocker, and then been able to get off both of them?
I HATE being on these meds. But obviously I don't want a stroke either.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group.
Connect
Thank you for this and I agree. I was so angry with myself for I was totally caught off guard with this doctor--first time I saw him and before he ever knew anything in-depth about my overall health condition, he prescribed Eliquis and Metropolol. He scared me so badly I found myself just getting the prescriptions and taking them! And I have been an advocate for preventive medicine and healthful living and have been loyal to my plan for over 40 years! I only went to this md because I wanted script for my mammogram and bone density test. (BTW) after my bone density test he said "looking good" you might want to take calcium in the future. I am 73 years old. Did he really think I am that stupid? I do have a functional md I work with and just want to find a way to wean myself off these two meds I have been taking for about 30 days--because I have been afraid to stop. I am familiar with Dr. Weil. My husband passed away last year after many years of everything imaginable (stroke, cancer, congestive heart failure, kidney dialysis) and saw how badly the AMA handles things so I was determined not to fall into this trap--but I did! I don't want to stay there long.
Your functional MD may have a recommendation for you as far as a cardiologist who is more attuned to your needs. I think there are several things in play when it comes to "pills first" medicine, especially in the high risk specialties.
First, crazy time constraints - imposed by demands of their practice, and the number of people needing to be seen after almost 2 years of Covid-caused pent up demand, plus long-Covid caused additional demand.
Second, in my experience, most people want a "magic bullet" or "instant solution" - they do not want to make major changes to lifestyle, diet, exercise, etc because it is a lot of work. Or they may tell the doctor they will, but not really do it.
Third, and I don't want to start a discussion about this, but health insurance companies and malpractice companies have protocols in place and if the doctors don't follow them and there is a bad outcome, there livelihood can be in jeopardy. Sometimes, but not always, these protocols are "best practices" for the patient's outcome, other times, they are "best outcomes" in terms of people complying so if there is a problem, the doctor & insurer feel like they have done their best.
Have you asked your trusted doc for help in finding someone?
Sue
what is wluqyis?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThe shock is that you can be totally healthy with no major diseases at 74 and have AFib. No matter what, the cardiologists use the CHADSVASC risk calculator, which is weighted against women. Even if you don’t have AFib or any other risky disease and are 75, you are deemed a 3, which is high risk for stroke and need blood thinners. It seems good health is ignored. My risk is 5.5% on Cleveland Clinic and before AFib, it was 4.4%.
Not yet. But I am seeing her next week. It’s amazing. I have always taken (and consistently) taken such good care of myself. I wonder if aging just makes us less confident in “what could happen” that we listen to things that might not be best for us. Still can’t believe his actions—and my response. Thanks for input!
Sorry, I meant Eliquis.
Listen to your inner voice - I think as we slow down, we are more aware of what is best for us. It is never wrong to keep asking questions, and except in an emergency, take the time to explore all the options. A second, or even third voice, can help. I have been pressured for 20 years to take statins because of family heart risk history. Instead I committed to a healthy lifestyle, and have passed the family's " first heart attack age" by over 15 years.
Sue
The CHADS is no longer weighted against women. I was a three but declined blood thinners for 4 years and then the CHADS changed and I became a 2. I only have afib once a year but end up in the ER with very fast pulse. My doc finally agreed with me on declining. You have that right.
How often do you have afib? If infrequent you have a choice, and can decline meds.
By the way aspirin is no longer considered effective for this purpose.
I agree! Thank you so much for this. I needed two have that reenforced.