Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group
Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) which involves the two small, upper heart chambers (the atria). Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spread through the heart and cause contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood.
Its been two weeks since my stroke and everything appears to be working as well as before the stroke (thankfully). Maybe next week my doctor will let me drive again (my vision is approaching normal) and hopefully I'll be able to return to the gym in a few weeks. Since the stroke, I've been on Coumadin and 80 mg of Lipitor (and taken off metoprolol ).
I've noticed that since the stroke (and the new drugs), my heart beat has been far more regular and stable than it had been for months. We've all been working with the idea that AFIB causes clots to form (something I don't doubt). Can it also be that clots (like little tiny ones that stay in the heart and don't show up on any test) can stimulate AFIB? Could it be that the massive doses of Lipitor they are giving me plus the Coumadin is causing the improvement in the AFIB? Or maybe its that I haven't done any exercise for two weeks.
Any thoughts?
I've noticed that since the stroke (and the new drugs), my heart beat has been far more regular and stable than it had been for months. We've all been working with the idea that AFIB causes clots to form (something I don't doubt). Can it also be that clots (like little tiny ones that stay in the heart and don't show up on any test) can stimulate AFIB? Could it be that the massive doses of Lipitor they are giving me plus the Coumadin is causing the improvement in the AFIB? Or maybe its that I haven't done any exercise for two weeks.
Any thoughts?
Results In published data from 13 short term trials (4414 randomised patients, 659 events), statin treatment seemed to reduce the odds of an episode of atrial fibrillation by 39% (odds ratio 0.61, 95% confidence interval 0.51 to 0.74; P
http://www.bmj.com/content/342/bmj.d1250
I am so happy for you that you are recovering well from your stroke. I cannot even begin to imagine how scary that was! Hearing your story makes me even more committed to staying on track with warfarin. My cardio put me on warfarin last year and I asked him why he was changing me from aspirin to an anticoagulant. He advised me that while he knows my CHADs score is low, he said he has seen plenty of 0 CHADS scores have first time strokes. He said "why take the chance?". He told me if he were diagnosed with Afib and his score was 0, he would be taking an anti-coagulant. I really appreciate you sharing your story with us. It really hits home. I hope you continue to feel better and better each day. Take care, Carrie
Like you I had a CHADS score of zero and didn't want to change from aspirin to Coumadin. Guess I learned my lesson. They were able see the problem in my occipital lobe via the MRI when I was in the hospital. Stay on your anti-coagulant!
Wonderful that ur heart is more regular than before ur stroke! Are u off all heart meds now except the Warfarin? Why did ur Dr.take u if the Metoprolol? I guess the Lipitor is for hiigh cholesterol? I an do happy for u and hope u can enjoy your retirement. Hugs and best wishes. Christine
Conclusions The suggested beneficial effect of statins on atrial fibrillation from published shorter term studies is not supported by a comprehensive review of published and unpublished evidence from larger scale trials.
petey
In contrast, among 22 longer term and mostly larger trials of statin versus control, statin treatment was not associated with a significant reduction in atrial fibrillation. Seven longer term trials of more intensive versus standard statin regimens also showed no evidence of a reduction in the risk of atrial fibrillation.
petey
I am really happy that you have recovered beautifully after your stroke. To be honest, I am NOT sure why the doctors put people on aspirin rather than a good and proven blood thinner. Various studies have shown that aspirin does not work on everybody. But, still doctors take a chance with their patients with aspirin.
Hang in there and hopefully all your symptoms will go away shortly.
Take care,
Scott