People who suffer with Atrial Fibrillation ask this question very, very frequently. It is a common worry. Why? A couple reasons seem to pop up when you ask patients. First, people are afraid of the medication used to prevent strokes called warfarin. (The trade name and most co...
I have Atrial Fibrillation: Will I be on Coumadin® Forever?
9/10/09 6:12pm
My husband just died of a spontaneous subdural hematoma due to being on Coumadin. since there is only about a 60% rate of coumadin preventing a stoke--the medical community might want to rethink the widespread use of Coumadin.
9/10/09 9:35pm
Hi: Sorry that you husband passed away. Many research studies indicate that the benefit of coumadin/warfarin outweighs the risk.
Unfortunately, some people do bleed and have very unfortunate events happen.
As I mentioned the research shows that in AFib without warfarin the risk of major stroke is 7% a year: 35% in 5 years. But it is a dangerous medication.
Sorry for you loss.
Dr. Kirk Laman
www.drlaman.com
12/22/09 10:10am
1/15/10 12:05pm
Amen! Thank you for asking that question. I am also waiting for the answer. I wouldn't be surprised if these numbers are not available. Drug companies don't collect numbers that might reduce their sales.
Another great question! Is there a natural substance that thins the blood and DOES NOT endanger your life?
And ..... if so, have any studies been done to determine if there is a safer way to manage blood clotting in a way that allows you to continue eating green veggies to your hearts content?
And .... if NOT ...... WHY? No profit?
10/28/10 2:05pm
My mother went in to the hospital a few days ago for a hip repair. She had this hip replaced 12 years ago. they said she went into a fib after the surgery and gave her cardizem. today the doctors are saying that she will need to be on coumadin for the rest of her life. She is 87 today. She never had an a fib episode. She does have high blood pressure and take medication for that. How does a doctor know their is a clot somewhere in your heart? Does the medication dissolve it ? If not then what prevents the clot from breaking off and causing a stroke? Is the clot always present ? If so then could you stop taking coumadin when the a fib stops?
1/ 3/11 10:09am
My husband has gone into atrial fib 3 times in the last 11 years each time related to a a physical condition ei pnuemonia bad cold , and dehydration he has been on coumadin for the past 7 years and after his last occurance the Dr. is taking him off the coumadin and suggesting aspirin . We are a little nervous about this change however he does not have any heart conditions his blood pressure is controlled. Should we be concerned with this change thank you
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I am Coumadin 4mg. daily. I have been for years due to deep vein thrombosis. My PT is usually in the 3 range but lately has been off a lot, like today 6.3. They ask if I had been eating a lot of green veggies. I eat spinach, brusell sprouts and cabbage at least once a week. Do I need to give up green veggies all together?
HI; No, but consistency is the key. If you eat more green vegetables your dosage of warfarin may need to be higher. The more green vegetables you eat the lower your INR usually. It's best to stay on an even keel with green veggies. But it seems that the opposite is happening with you since your INR is higher.
Taking in grapefruit in large quantities could raise the effect warfarin dose.
I hope this helps.
Dr. Kirk Laman
www.drlaman.com