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.

Profile picture for moey2720 @moey2720

@lindy9 - Wonderful that you rarely have a blip of AFib!

How was it determined that caffeine was the CAUSE?
When you were using caffeinated products, how much were you using in a day? Just coffee/soda or???

I have paroxysmal AFib sometimes 10 minutes and very occasionally 6 hours. I have had a pacemaker now for 12 years, just got a new one inserted 2 years ago (Medtronic). I take Plavix and 2 81mg enteric coated aspirin every am; plus BP and cholesterol meds.

I take no products like Eliquis/Xarelto, etc. I was a caregiver for my husband (severe heart issues) and he was on Xarelto first and then switched to Eliquis because of severe bleeding into his eyes. I'm scared silly of either one of them or any others. I'm considering the Watchman, but still on the fence.

I've taken Plavix close to 18 years and aspirin in various doses for about the same length of time. I have NEVER had a bleeding episode of any type, no low hemoglobin, no problem with any surgeries I've had, no blood clots.

My Lisinopril has been reduced because I was running very low blood pressure following a very complex PCI which opened 3 severely blocked areas.

Thank you for sharing.

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I read in a news column that a doctor answered questions. Someone wrote in with the exact same symptoms as mine, The doc responded that some people are severely sensitive to caffeine and was the cause.

At that time I was a waitress and had been drinking about 4 cups of coffee a day and I think Dr Pepper or Tab which was popular then. At the same time, I had started a job as an Engineering secretary in electric company. Back then, no computers to easily correct, and not even electric typewriters. I had to type specifications, and when you made a boo boo, had to use white out to correct or if too big, start the page over. I was making lots of errors due to nerves.

I began decreasing and decreasing quantity of coffee until just 1/4 cup. I discovered that I still had heart rhythm problems with just 1/4 cup and also errors typing.
I went back and forth having none one day and could type lickety split no errors and no afib, and next day a bit of coffee and had problems. Between age 21 and now 77, no afib, other than a short time when I found some coffee ice cream from the US, and back it came and realized it was the problem.

The episodes I had in my teens etc lasted for a feqw minutes to several hours and overnight.

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Profile picture for lindy9 @lindy9

I read in a news column that a doctor answered questions. Someone wrote in with the exact same symptoms as mine, The doc responded that some people are severely sensitive to caffeine and was the cause.

At that time I was a waitress and had been drinking about 4 cups of coffee a day and I think Dr Pepper or Tab which was popular then. At the same time, I had started a job as an Engineering secretary in electric company. Back then, no computers to easily correct, and not even electric typewriters. I had to type specifications, and when you made a boo boo, had to use white out to correct or if too big, start the page over. I was making lots of errors due to nerves.

I began decreasing and decreasing quantity of coffee until just 1/4 cup. I discovered that I still had heart rhythm problems with just 1/4 cup and also errors typing.
I went back and forth having none one day and could type lickety split no errors and no afib, and next day a bit of coffee and had problems. Between age 21 and now 77, no afib, other than a short time when I found some coffee ice cream from the US, and back it came and realized it was the problem.

The episodes I had in my teens etc lasted for a feqw minutes to several hours and overnight.

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@lindy9 Thank you. We are almost from the same era, I'm 86 and my 'typing/correcting' started back in the late 50's, but I was a legal secretary - same scenario though.

I used to drink quarts of coffee a day in my 20's, 30's, 40's, but finally burnt out on it and cut way back. Getting to today and my AFib (which I never know I'm having), I drink 1 cup of coffee in the am and I enjoy 1 Coca Cola with snack after dinner.

I am going to try not drinking any caffeine at all and see if there is any change in the AFib they detect from my Pacemaker interrogations. They want me to take Eliquis, which I have refused for some years now. My husband had tremendous bleeding into his eyes with first Xarelto and then Eliquis and some other issues. I don't want to go through what he did!

I am also sitting on the fence regarding the Watchman.

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Profile picture for moey2720 @moey2720

@lindy9 Thank you. We are almost from the same era, I'm 86 and my 'typing/correcting' started back in the late 50's, but I was a legal secretary - same scenario though.

I used to drink quarts of coffee a day in my 20's, 30's, 40's, but finally burnt out on it and cut way back. Getting to today and my AFib (which I never know I'm having), I drink 1 cup of coffee in the am and I enjoy 1 Coca Cola with snack after dinner.

I am going to try not drinking any caffeine at all and see if there is any change in the AFib they detect from my Pacemaker interrogations. They want me to take Eliquis, which I have refused for some years now. My husband had tremendous bleeding into his eyes with first Xarelto and then Eliquis and some other issues. I don't want to go through what he did!

I am also sitting on the fence regarding the Watchman.

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I would have severe afib with one cup coffee and one coke. I understand it is hard to give up the habit. They are addictive, but better than bleeding and horrible side effects and scary treatments.

I dont know anything about Watchman, but sitting on fences is dangerous at 86. LOL I would not take Eliquis for any reason. The docs are trained to treat with meds sold from drug salesmen.

Nine more years til I catch up with you, God willing. But I will not scare myself to death with scary treatments, meds, or gizmos. Best wishes for good life saving decisions.

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Profile picture for lindy9 @lindy9

Eat a diet that does not cause thick blood.

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@lindy9 Could you expand on that idea, about being on a diet that does not cause thick blood! Exactly what kinds of foods were you thinking about, that do NOT cause thick blood? Whst foods DO cause thick blood, that we, who have A-fib, should stay away from? Thank you for your advice!

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I am puzzled by your question. In this day of information. I have read about nutrition since age 20 and now 77.
But your question is exactly why I post here.

I googled What Diet Prevents Thick Blood. Here is the FIRST answer.
To prevent thick blood, focus on a diet rich in Omega-3s (fatty fish, flaxseed), fiber (oats, beans, fruits, veggies), antioxidants (berries, green tea), and natural thinners like garlic, ginger, and turmeric, while limiting processed foods, sugar, unhealthy fats, and excessive salt that promote inflammation and clotting. Staying hydrated and incorporating anti-inflammatory spices are key for supporting healthy circulation.

For more info, read all the blogs or web sites. Read books or nutritional info online. Then YOU make up your mind what you believe is correct. Taking responsibility for your health. You may not do everything perfectly, but head in that direction.

You will notice it does not say to eat a high meat or dairy or sugar diet. I eat a little but very small percentage.

The FIRST answer to What to Eliminate if You Have If You Have Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). You should eliminate or significantly reduce common triggers like alcohol, excessive caffeine, smoking, high-sodium/processed/sugary foods, and manage stress, dehydration, and poor sleep, as these can trigger or worsen episodes, while incorporating moderate exercise and a heart-healthy diet for better heart rhythm.

This is what dr Google says. The Bible says My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Seek knowledge and get wisdom.

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