Cardiologist suggests I can stop taking Eliquis. Any thoughts?

My AFIB and getting off drugs story, updated as of 3/7/25:
I had AFIB, severe left atrial regurgitation (mitral valve not opening properly), no comorbidities. Valve problem caused it all; the valve problem was caused by a dental procedure that led to a gum infection, that went to my heart valve. It’s not that uncommon from what I understand.
Everyone is different, but here is my experience for what it's worth. I had mitral valve repair, ablation, and LAAC at 78, two years and 10 months ago. No more AFIB (it can work permanently). I exercise and eat smartly (low in calories, sugar, salt, and caffeine). I got off 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 119/68, heart rate 68. I have also weaned myself off of 12.5mg metoprolol daily and 81mg aspirin daily. I read a 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. Vitals and alertness are better than ever. 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.
More: After a dizzy event about 20 months ago, where many tests found absolutely no signs of anything abnormal, my cardiologist wanted me to have a loop recorder implanted (standard recommendation I guess). I said no for a host of loop recorder concerns and have been fine as wine ever since. My best research indicated that the probable cause of my dizziness was the metoprolol I took, combined with too low sodium and sugar intake that day as I had cut the lawn and also had done a full exercise regimen. Off metoprolol now as I said and doing fine 20 months later. Hope this helps others. Also, everyone should read "Undoctored”: Why Health Care Has Failed You and How You Can Become Smarter Than Your Doctor."
To repeat, everyone is different, but that's my particular story. I'm not saying that doctors are all wrong or all bad, just that you likely have the time to sort things out better than they can for your particular circumstances. Lastly, be sure to read "The AFIB Cure" if you have not done so already.
Regards,
Sagan

Take care, Lilymarie, and thanks for sharing your troubles. I guess nobody comes here to post out of idle curiosity, do they... 😀 I think you have a good handle on your various conditions and it sounds like you're getting good care. I hope it continues to hold off the monsters for you.

Thanks Gloaming...Yes, I feel I had some of the best electrophysiologists-they were all great who teamed up that day to reset my old heart. I am forever grateful. Thanks for the reply.

Hello Sagan, very interesting share about the mitral valve regurgitation and how it came about. I too have same but its mild to moderate. What a journey! I am looking up the books you recommended too. I do feel that heaviness that comes with being my own advocate and the fact you had to push for the heart monitor made me whince...that is just how it works unfortunately. You are the second person in a week to mention the Pure brand of magnesium. Ordering it today. How do you feel about CoQ10? Any insights? I am tempted to give it a try as I do have issues with supraventricular tachycardia and a small amount of afib still. Thanks for the feedback.

I had an ablation and went off all anti-arrhythmics and eliquis after 5 months (3 months + 2 because I was going overseas and far from medical help). I don't have any other risk factors so was off drugs for most of 2 years, then afib cropped up again due to a mitral valve issue. I had mitral valve repair last April and have been on eliquis and diltiazem since. I have had two brief episodes of afib in the last year. I see my cardiologist in April and I'll see if I stay on the drugs or not at that time.

I am having an PF ablation next week at Mayo's in Jacksonville and my EP has told me that she plans to discontinue Eliquis after the procedure, but keep it as a pill in the pocket to be only used in the event of another Afib episode.

I caution that I have no training whatsoever in the medical field, so please just take what I say with some pause: My reading about the DOACs is that they function best when taken routinely, and do best for patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of about 2 and higher who have a risk for thrombosis. That is to say, they should be present in your blood serum when your AF ever recurs, not after. The risk of stroke rises immediately upon AF, and persists in many patients for up to six months later. Or, so the readings I have looked at suggest. As you might be aware, the real culprit is likely to be 'stale' blood pooling in the left atrial appendage (LAA), which is why the Watchman was invented. The pooling could begin as soon as your left atrium starts fibrillating.
I only offer this as a talking point with your electrophysiologist next time you see him/her. Will he recommend you go off apixaban as soon as you are deemed free of AF, and is that going to be after a formal rhythm assessment, such as a Holter monitor, at the end of the blanking period, or sooner? For most, it is at the six month mark. Or, if a Watchman is implanted, you get a TEE at that point, six months, and if it is deemed to be sealed, no leakage from inside the LAA, then you have eliminated all risk for that type of clots.
Again, the furthest thing from an expert am I, but you might feel better posing the question to your EP about his/here rationale.

Yes, thanks. Being at Mayo, my EP is wanting me to participate in the study, but I have the same reservations. I will discuss with my local cardiologist before I agree to participate.

I have never taken a CoQ10 supplement. I start every breakfast with organic pomegranate juice (just 2 ounces as it is a bit high in sugar). I also snack on almonds and walnuts during the day. Seems to do the trick for me. Hope it helps you.
Regards,
Sagan

Thank you, Sagan. I have the same in my fridge currently, organic pomegranate juice and, same, 2 ounces but not every day. I have the issue of being a kidney stone grower (18 were discovered in 2018, spend one night in hospital with plenty of morphine as one got stuck) so no oxalates for me which sadly means reducing many of my favorite foods including almonds. I do enjoy one walnut a day though. Between the heart diet and the oxalate free diet I do my best to stay updated on each in order to stave off any more strokes and stones (unfortunately I have more stones currently, but only 4 and they have been stable for a year or so. It comes with Medullary Sponge Disease, both kidneys). I am new to these forums. I am 73 and now have a laptop. I appreciate any words of wisdom from others who struggle with similar issues. Thank you for your feedback. All the best, Lily