a-Fib & coumadin

  My 76 yr old mother had a successful cardioversion for A-Fib a couple years ago and with meds, has not had another A-Fib. She's been on coumadin even before the cardioversions and the dosage is always needing to be increased. My question is why does she need to take coumadin if her heart rythm is normal. Her EKG's are good; heart is strong and not enlarged. All arteries are clear. She does have high blood pressure 140/90 and takes medication. Her cholesterol is high 260.  In general, she is not doing that well on the coumadin because she is getting alot of large vein  blowouts in her legs. We would like to get her off this drug, but her general physician says do. She hasn't seen a cardiologist for over 3 years and I'm wondering if we should have her reassessed.
  Thanks for any comments.

[CCF CARDIO MD APS]

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Dear Marcia,
I agree that a visit to a cardiologist is in order, especially given that I see no indication for the continued coumadin in your mother if she has maintained sinus rhythm months out of the last cardioversion (coumadin is usually continued for 3-6weeks following a successful cardioversion and then discontinued.)  
The cardiologist will want to treat that cholesterol as well, so go ahead and make the appointment with a cardiologist.
I hope this information is useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for
general purposes only.  Only your physician can provided specific diagnoses and therapies.
Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck!
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cardiac problem.