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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Coumadin and Aspirin re Atrial Fib
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests
Coumadin and Aspirin re Atrial Fib
by George Daniel, Sep 19, 1999 12:00AM
It has long been held that coumadin should not be taken with any form of salicylate. However, some cardiologists at Yale seem to be in favor of Coumadin plus small doses of Aspirin. This makes sense to me considering that Coumadin acts exclusively on the Vitamin K dependent clotting factors whereas Aspirin is acting on the platelettes. Is it not conceivable that if someone is on Coumadin in preparation for conversion of atrial fibrillation, that a clot may still have formed (however incomplete) from platelette aggregation? What are your thoughts on combined therapy.
Also, if one has enlargement of the atria does that suggest anything that could be contraindictory of having conversion with Pronestyl and/or electroconversion? Thank you.
Also, if one has enlargement of the atria does that suggest anything that could be contraindictory of having conversion with Pronestyl and/or electroconversion? Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF CARDIO MD JMF, Sep 20, 1999 12:00AM
It is now more common to prescribe these two in combination and i almost always do this is patients with CAD and a requirement for anticoagulation.
as far as atrial enlargement, if your atria is greater than6.0 cm it does make it more difficult but by no means is contraindicated. You are more likely to have atrial clot and your atria is less likely to respond to either chemical or electrical conversion.
as far as atrial enlargement, if your atria is greater than6.0 cm it does make it more difficult but by no means is contraindicated. You are more likely to have atrial clot and your atria is less likely to respond to either chemical or electrical conversion.
