I understand it's routine for cardiologists to prescribe an anticoagulant drug to patients with a-fib, for the very reason @vermontrob said -- to minimize chances that blood clots will form in the blood left behind by poor contractions of the left atrium. In my case, it's Coumadin (Warfarin) for which there is an antidote that could save my life if I suffered a bad cut or other blood-letting. Martin

Just be careful. I was on Coumadin, but was taken off it when I discovered that at least two of the autoimmune disease I appear to have, AL amyloidosis and aplastic anemia, can and do cause the hematuria for which I have being treated. That did not stop the bleeding, still about a quarter cup per day, but at least I do not have to drive 60 miles to have my inr checked.

@oldkarl, I have some experience here. First, a friend of mine has a-fib and has been on Coumadin for several years. He has a device that he uses to read his INR at home an a daily basis. I stop in my HMO's lab once a month for a blood draw and INR reading. I have a little hematuria, but doctors say it's after effect of a TURP procedure on my prostate a few years ago.

Second, another friend of mine who was on Coumadin fell and suffered a head injury that caused intracranial bleeding. Emergency medical technicians I called rushed him to an emergency room a mile away. However, the ER did not have a supply of Coumadin antidote on hand (do you believe it?) so they called for a helicopter to take him to a hospital 25 miles away. By the time that ER got him under their care, they could not recover him, and he bled to death.

Hi, @predictable I am not surprised by either of these. I think Coumadin (warfarin) is greatly over-prescribed. There are so many disorders that mess with the clotability of blood, and warfarin just exacerbates them. And I, just a few days ago, asked for the A1c reader. The diabetes monitor gave me some lame excuse about a reason for not providing it. But I still think I need it, and will continue to pursue it. Sad to have to fight for life

The risk of stroke can be lessened with blood thinners

Weight and diet control items

Exercising

B-P control

But there are no guarantees

Best to you

Rek

Why does my cadilogist insist on blood pressure Medes ,amiodarone and digoxin, which makes me really tired and sleepy. Also I take xatrito and have had two nose bleeds. Do I need these blood pressure Medes never had high bp ?

Hello @woodieryan

As this appears to be your first post at Mayo Clinic Connect, I'd like to welcome you!

As you may know, at Mayo Connect we are not medical professionals and therefore cannot explain why you are being prescribed the meds. We can only speak from our own personal experiences and encourage you to find answers to questions from your own doctor.

However, from my own experience, I take BP meds and have never had a high BP but do have heart valve problems. My cardiologist said that he prescribes BP meds so that my heart doesn't work too hard (the BP meds keep the heart more rested).

I would encourage you to talk to your cardiologist about why he is prescribing the meds. Does he know about your fatigue? Have you reported the nosebleeds? A simple call to his office to report these matters, will probably give you some answers.

I would like to invite @predictable into this conversation as well. He is also a volunteer mentor and he might be able to add some insight into your questions.

Teresa

Hi @woodieryan. I'd second the suggestion from Teresa (@hopeful33250) to question your cardiologist about your meds. I noticed, for example, that you referred to the three of them as blood pressure meds. But an expert source on prescription drugs (https://www.drugs.com/amiodarone.html) identifies Amiodarone as an antiarrhythmic medication. The same is true for Digoxin. Neither is intended for treatment of blood pressure problems. In the case of Xarelto, that is an anticlotting medication, commonly prescribed to prevent clots from forming when irregular heart beats leave some blood behind in a heart chamber. Note that drugs are sometimes prescribed by doctors for off-label uses, and that's the most important reason for having this discussion with your cardiologist. Hope your blood pressure remains stable and in a normal range; mine doesn't if I neglect to take to medications prescribed for blood pressure. Martin

Thanks for the research on the drugs, @predictable, that explains a lot.

@twptrustrek, I also appreciate the comments by you and the time needed to adjust to the meds, that was a good thought.

@woodieryan, I hope that you will be encouraged to talk with your doctor. Will you keep in touch and let us know how you are doing?

Teresa

I have learned more from the feedback about my meds and I thank you .unfortunatelly my cardiologist does not return phone calls but my primary will.i am taking all meds and will exercise more on the bike, having pt to strength leg muscles too.