1. < Heart Rhythm Conditions

Cardiologist suggests I can stop taking Eliquis. Any thoughts?

Posted by dsisko @dsisko, Nov 18, 2020

I have been on Eliquis for about 2 years now for afib. I had a successful ablation at Mayo in Rochester in August 2019 and have had no afib incidents that I’m aware of since that time. I track my pulse with my iwatch and regularly track my blood pressure. Both are fine. I’ve been of the understanding that I need to take Eliquis for the rest of my life, however, my cardiologist in Florida has suggested that I could stop taking the Eliquis. Has anyone had a similar situation or has stopped Eliquis because of a successful ablation?

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vickylj | @vickylj | Aug 12, 2023

Hello, my advice, stay on the blood thinner. Better to be safe than sorry.
I had a stroke and a-fib, have had 4
ablation, they each worked for a while. I wouldn't consider going off the blood thinners.
Everyone is different, but I wouldn't take the chance myself.
Good Health to you, Vicky J.

REPLY
saganjames | @saganjames | Aug 13, 2023

Everyone is different, but here is my experience for what it's worth: I had mitral valve repair, ablation, and LAAC at 78, over a year ago. No more AFIB (it can work permanently). I exercise and eat smartly (low in calories, sugar, salt, and caffeine). When I walk, I mediate by well-wishing for others. I also visualize my RNA, DNA, and all body systems being in good order. (I love order.) I got off of Eliquis after four months by wearing a heart monitor for 30 days to be sure AFIB was gone. I had to push my cardiologist to put me on the monitor. My last vital stats while sitting were 116/66, heart rate 66. I am now weaning myself off of 12.5mg metoprolol daily and 81mg aspirin daily (Read recent JAMA article that said low dose aspirin causes brain bleeding over time. Now it is recommended only for stroke and heart attack victims as I understand it. I have also read that metoprolol interferes with sodium and sugar levels. Too low an amount of sugar or salt can cause dizziness as I read it.) Daily, I do take a magnesium glycinate supplement containing 29% of RDA. Pure Encapsulations is the best brand I have found. I have read that magnesium and moderate exercise help folks to stay out of AFIB). I had a great surgeon at WakeMed in Raleigh, Dr. Boulton, who did all of the heart stuff. That was key of course. He also supports magnesium supplements. Overall, I feel extremely fortunate. My best to you and everyone reading this post.

REPLY
3 replies
almer | @almer | Aug 13, 2023
In reply to @pickleball1946 "Was diagnosed with AFID after a routine checkup. Successful Cardioversion 1 year ago. No AFID since...." + (show)
@pickleball1946

Was diagnosed with AFID after a routine checkup. Successful Cardioversion 1 year ago. No AFID since. Blood pressure & heart rate perfect. I am 77 and in good physical shape. My cardiologist says continue on with Eliquis….is it safe to stop taking Eliquis? Thanks…….. Off to play Pickleball….

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As a nurse . I would say no . Keep on it . You are greater risk . And want to keep playing pickle ball . Just my advice . Good luck

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1 reply
gloaming | @gloaming | Aug 14, 2023
In reply to @pickleball1946 "Was diagnosed with AFID after a routine checkup. Successful Cardioversion 1 year ago. No AFID since...." + (show)
@pickleball1946

Was diagnosed with AFID after a routine checkup. Successful Cardioversion 1 year ago. No AFID since. Blood pressure & heart rate perfect. I am 77 and in good physical shape. My cardiologist says continue on with Eliquis….is it safe to stop taking Eliquis? Thanks…….. Off to play Pickleball….

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Probably, but will you be on good terms with your health advisor if you do? I would consult that person and present him/her with a carefully constructed and reasoned argument. Then, do as you will.

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pickleball1946 | @pickleball1946 | Aug 14, 2023

Thank you for the informative reply. My cardiologist says keep taking Eliquis. I suspect all cardiologist lean towards being conservative. Complex dang heart condition…. Mayo clinic website indicates you can discontinue after three months of success cardioversion…. What a balancing act.. Upsides of Eliquis…. Some downsides of Eliquis…. Dang sure do not want a stroke…i guess it comes down to a personal decision and what your risks you are willing to take. Again…. Thanks for your advice…

REPLY
pickleball1946 | @pickleball1946 | Aug 14, 2023
In reply to @almer "As a nurse . I would say no . Keep on it . You are greater..." + (show)
@almer

As a nurse . I would say no . Keep on it . You are greater risk . And want to keep playing pickle ball . Just my advice . Good luck

Jump to this post

Good thoughts and advise. Thanks for reaching out….

REPLY
pickleball1946 | @pickleball1946 | Aug 14, 2023
In reply to @saganjames "Everyone is different, but here is my experience for what it's worth: I had mitral valve..." + (show)
@saganjames

Everyone is different, but here is my experience for what it's worth: I had mitral valve repair, ablation, and LAAC at 78, over a year ago. No more AFIB (it can work permanently). I exercise and eat smartly (low in calories, sugar, salt, and caffeine). When I walk, I mediate by well-wishing for others. I also visualize my RNA, DNA, and all body systems being in good order. (I love order.) I got off of Eliquis after four months by wearing a heart monitor for 30 days to be sure AFIB was gone. I had to push my cardiologist to put me on the monitor. My last vital stats while sitting were 116/66, heart rate 66. I am now weaning myself off of 12.5mg metoprolol daily and 81mg aspirin daily (Read recent JAMA article that said low dose aspirin causes brain bleeding over time. Now it is recommended only for stroke and heart attack victims as I understand it. I have also read that metoprolol interferes with sodium and sugar levels. Too low an amount of sugar or salt can cause dizziness as I read it.) Daily, I do take a magnesium glycinate supplement containing 29% of RDA. Pure Encapsulations is the best brand I have found. I have read that magnesium and moderate exercise help folks to stay out of AFIB). I had a great surgeon at WakeMed in Raleigh, Dr. Boulton, who did all of the heart stuff. That was key of course. He also supports magnesium supplements. Overall, I feel extremely fortunate. My best to you and everyone reading this post.

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Thanks for the very informative reply…. You have thought this out and are being body aware and proactive….. I will start adding magnesium to my daily routine….

REPLY
pickleball1946 | @pickleball1946 | Aug 14, 2023

Personal experience with Eliquis is ever a minot cut or scrape results in excess bleeding…, Disconcerting to think what would happen with a serious cut or internal bleeding…. Life is a great balancing act…,, Wishing you all good health….

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jwooders3 | @jwooders3 | Aug 14, 2023
In reply to @saganjames "Everyone is different, but here is my experience for what it's worth: I had mitral valve..." + (show)
@saganjames

Everyone is different, but here is my experience for what it's worth: I had mitral valve repair, ablation, and LAAC at 78, over a year ago. No more AFIB (it can work permanently). I exercise and eat smartly (low in calories, sugar, salt, and caffeine). When I walk, I mediate by well-wishing for others. I also visualize my RNA, DNA, and all body systems being in good order. (I love order.) I got off of Eliquis after four months by wearing a heart monitor for 30 days to be sure AFIB was gone. I had to push my cardiologist to put me on the monitor. My last vital stats while sitting were 116/66, heart rate 66. I am now weaning myself off of 12.5mg metoprolol daily and 81mg aspirin daily (Read recent JAMA article that said low dose aspirin causes brain bleeding over time. Now it is recommended only for stroke and heart attack victims as I understand it. I have also read that metoprolol interferes with sodium and sugar levels. Too low an amount of sugar or salt can cause dizziness as I read it.) Daily, I do take a magnesium glycinate supplement containing 29% of RDA. Pure Encapsulations is the best brand I have found. I have read that magnesium and moderate exercise help folks to stay out of AFIB). I had a great surgeon at WakeMed in Raleigh, Dr. Boulton, who did all of the heart stuff. That was key of course. He also supports magnesium supplements. Overall, I feel extremely fortunate. My best to you and everyone reading this post.

Jump to this post

Your information was helpful! I’m 81. My situation is similar. I’ve had mitral repair, ablation, and a CRT dual lead (leads to atrium & vertical) pacemaker, and pulmonary hypertension. I also had a Watchman added to my left side in Jan. Cardiologist took me off the blood thinner, so I can now eat salads. I also have Stage 3 kidney disease and RA. I take a lot of furosemide and potassium. It’s hard to maintain a low sodium diet!! Most of my on-going problems are salt & sugar related -furosemide & sodium. Neuropathy is getting worse, but bleeding has been a problem.
I’m beginning to try to walk halls of apt. building. The residents names are on their doors. I already Pray & read my Bible. I will add prayers for people who live there. Great idea!!
I’m preparing to move across the country to be near my son & his family.
So not making many changes in meds for now. Just maintaining!

REPLY
2 replies
jwooders3 | @jwooders3 | Aug 14, 2023
In reply to @jwooders3 "Your information was helpful! I’m 81. My situation is similar. I’ve had mitral repair, ablation, and..." + (show)
@jwooders3

Your information was helpful! I’m 81. My situation is similar. I’ve had mitral repair, ablation, and a CRT dual lead (leads to atrium & vertical) pacemaker, and pulmonary hypertension. I also had a Watchman added to my left side in Jan. Cardiologist took me off the blood thinner, so I can now eat salads. I also have Stage 3 kidney disease and RA. I take a lot of furosemide and potassium. It’s hard to maintain a low sodium diet!! Most of my on-going problems are salt & sugar related -furosemide & sodium. Neuropathy is getting worse, but bleeding has been a problem.
I’m beginning to try to walk halls of apt. building. The residents names are on their doors. I already Pray & read my Bible. I will add prayers for people who live there. Great idea!!
I’m preparing to move across the country to be near my son & his family.
So not making many changes in meds for now. Just maintaining!

Jump to this post

I edited my above text. Some words about my condition were deleted previously.

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