Rheumatic Valve Disease

[Zulusue5966]

My mother had rheumatic fever as a child and one month ago received a biologic replacement valve.  She also has atrial fibrillation and was on coumadin prior to surgery.  Early this morning, she had severe chest pains and was taken to the hospital where the cardiologist said she should be on coumadin due to the atrial fibrillation.  But her surgeon has said no more coumadin.  My question is this: what would be the reason for the surgeon to say no coumadin if it helps her a-fib?  Her family has a history of strokes and she has high blood pressure.

[kay2486]

hi the surgeon would tell her stop taking it because any meds have to be stopped -6 weeks before any surgery, blood thinners would be lethal if taken before surgery as so much blood would be lossed and can be fatal, he may want to prescribe another drug, a beta blocker will reduce bp and hr, he has said this for a reasons so pursue it to find the answer for your mother

[rilesnic]

I am answering to bump you up and hoping one of our top answerers are online tonight.  Coumadin is a blood thinner and therefore would help decrease the chance of getting a clot, which could cause a stroke, and can be very beneficial for those with a-fib.  I am certainly no doctor so I can only speculate the surgeon is concerned about too much bleeding from the coumadin which can also cause problems.  Have the two doctors discussed or decided how they are going to resolve this situation?  It is your right to be your mother's advocate so continue to ask them what you or her need answered.  Best to you both!