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AFib questions

Heart Rhythm Conditions | Last Active: Nov 13, 2023 | Replies (204)

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@colleenyoung

Welcome @dannydamon, I moved your message here so you could meet others living with AFib. I'm also tagging @HeartPatches as she may have some thoughts about warfarin.

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Replies to "Welcome @dannydamon, I moved your message here so you could meet others living with AFib. I'm..."

I think I am going to leave this site. I have asked a question and know one has the answer. Thanks <br />
<br />

Answer is when your doc says you can

Not sure @dannydamon will get this message after 18 months, @robseverson, but it would be great if he did. You're dead right.

A lot of people think Coumadin/Warfarin is a treatment for A-fib when it's not. It's a blood-clot preventive. Also, many don't understand why their INR number for tracking Coumadin effectiveness jumps around. Simply this: The primary antidote for rendering Coumadin ineffective is simple old Vitamin K -- which comes in several important foods we eat frequently and in varying amounts. A big bowl of spinach salad, for example, will drop that INR in a few hours. So someone on Coumadin therapy is encouraged to maintain a steady diet of various foods so that Coumadin remains at a steady level of strength to prevent clots from forming in the upper atrium of your heart, sliding into the left ventricle, and spreading around in your body through your circulatory system.

Your bottom line is correct, @robseverson. You can reduce or remove Coumadin from your daily medication when your doctor says you can do so without adverse effects. Ask her/him! And if you still have doubts, get a second opinion from another cardiologist or hematologist.

I have had a number of electro cards which did not show afib. I how have a pacemaker which shows infrequent afib which I do not notice
If you have afib you have a increased mortality from a stoke due clots formed in the heart of 4%.Warfarin halves this risk. I have a hard time keeping in range when I have blood test which shows the clotting prevention due to warfarin. Take your chances!

Totally agree with robseverson. The answer to "when can I stop taking coumadin". Is when your doctor tells you, you can. It may be for another reason, seeing that you had surgery. You should have a long talk with your doctor and ask that exact question. He should explain his reason for having you take it. I always ask questions of my docs, and they usually sit down with me and explain everything and their reasoning. I only take aspirin, but my new cardiologist said, if I show any signs of afib in the future, he will put me on something other than just aspirin.