AF has become more frequent - dr wants me to start rivaroxaban

Heart health and blood vessels
1

Hi, I was diagnosed with paroxysmal AF in 2006 which was initially thought to be due an overactive thyroid as the test results showed I was in a hyperthyroid state. The same thing happened in 2015. However since November last year, my AF has started to occur more often - lasting up to four hours, but usually occurs for a few minutes everyday. I have been on 75mg aspirin daily since 2006. I went to the doctors last week and a blood test showed my thyroid function was normal but the AF is still occurring. The dr has referred me to a Cardiologist so am just waiting for my appointment. He's also asked me to stop the aspirin and start 20mg rivaroxban daily - I just wondered if any could offer any thoughts? The AF is quite distressing, and am aware of the risk of stroke. Thanks, Calli

2

Hi Calli,

Riveroxaban is an anticoagulant as I’m sure you know, as is Aspirin.
I’m a 58 year old male, (born 1962, I’m guessing the same as you from your user name, it was a very good year) and I’ve been taking similar drugs (Initially Clopidogrel then Apixaban then Dabigatran) for at least five years and can’t say I’ve noticed any side effects.
I was initially prescribed the Clopidogrel (I think, it was a while ago and it’s all a bit hazy ) after suffering a TIA, a second one took me onto Apixaban and then when I was diagnosed with AF it was changed to Dabigatran. I do occasionally suffer heartburn with the Dabigatran bit have invested in industrial quantities of Rennies and that seems to be the solution.
I wouldn’t be at all concerned about the Riveroxaban, it’s commonly prescribed in just your type of circumstances but as I have mentioned elsewhere I AM NOT A DOCTOR and any concerns you have should be addressed to your GP or Cardiologist but as someone who has been through a similar experience I would not be concerned.
Hope this helps.

3

Hi Jason - thanks for your reply. - it’s calmed my nerves about starting on rivaroxaban. It was the host of side effects that get mentioned that was putting me on edge. '62 was a good year.

Best wishes,

Calli.

4

Blood thinner vs devastating stroke. I’ve been taking Apixaban for around 8 years. Some side effects, but nothing like what an AFIB stroke would be like.

5

Blood thinner vs devastating stroke. I’ve been taking Apixaban for around 8 years. Some side effects, but nothing like what an AFIB stroke would be like.