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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Asymptomatic Atrial Fibrillation A Cause For Concern?

HI, my 70 year old husband has non symptomatic atrial fibrillation. It is quite mild and is constant permanent since February. He tried cardio version and it reverted back immediately. He has a chad score of 0 and is normal weight, B/P 110/70, pulse 60, cholesterol 140. His pulse did not get irregular with the stress test. He is quite active. He was put on xarelto and from what I read, he is not a candidate for that. He wants to hear that from a doctor. The American Heart Association says it is not necessary with no cardiac risk factors. Any ideas on how I can get him to drop this drug.
Tue, 16 Aug 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi
Xarelto is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clot formation.It may be used to prevent or treat blood clots.It is also recommended in people with symptomatic atrial fibrillation to prevent stroke.
He may not have other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases but atrial fibrillation is a well established risk factor for thromboembolic events, especially ischemic stroke and he needs to start preventing such.The benefits of anticoagulant treatment in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation has been well established but in patients with asymptomatic atrial fibrillation is yet to be established.If i were your treating Doctor,i will rather place you on the following home bases measures and follow you up more closely.
-Eat heart-healthy foods
-Exercise regularly
-Avoid smoking
-Maintain a healthy weight
-Keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control
-Drink alcohol if need be moderately.
However, i will prefer you see a Cardiologist for evaluation,for him to judge if the above measures will not help and if you need preventive medications already.
Hope my answer will help you
Best regards
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Is Asymptomatic Atrial Fibrillation A Cause For Concern?

Hi Xarelto is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clot formation.It may be used to prevent or treat blood clots.It is also recommended in people with symptomatic atrial fibrillation to prevent stroke. He may not have other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases but atrial fibrillation is a well established risk factor for thromboembolic events, especially ischemic stroke and he needs to start preventing such.The benefits of anticoagulant treatment in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation has been well established but in patients with asymptomatic atrial fibrillation is yet to be established.If i were your treating Doctor,i will rather place you on the following home bases measures and follow you up more closely. -Eat heart-healthy foods -Exercise regularly -Avoid smoking -Maintain a healthy weight -Keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control -Drink alcohol if need be moderately. However, i will prefer you see a Cardiologist for evaluation,for him to judge if the above measures will not help and if you need preventive medications already. Hope my answer will help you Best regards