This was very reassuring for me. I’m 70, had an ablation op about a year ago and have been on edoxaban for a couple of years now. I often wondered about the necessity of anti-coagulants & must admit I was one of the people you mentioned who thought they actually thinned the blood, good to know they don’t! Thanks for a very clear, down to earth explanation, much appreciated.
It's still dangerous..... when you bleed the bleeding does not stop..... Obviously the doctor is an advocate for blood thinners which is ok for other people, but not for me.... I had other medications that made me bleed and had to go to the hospital to stop the huge bleeding..... from cortisone
Thank you so much for this video. You are a great teacher. I am a 67 year old male and have AFIB and been taking Rivaroxaban since turning 65, and I now understand the pro's and con's of taking the coagulant. I am now a subscriber to your channel.
What worries me, more than its cost, is that we have to be on it for the rest of our lives! Thanks a ton for explaining clearly all the facets of this treatment!
For blood thining i take piece of ginger, one clove of garlic and turmeric water in the morning and vegetables and fruit. This diet has given me good results.
For how long? I am allergic to garlic can't have it. Do use ginger root and tumeric. Still no way to test blood levels enough to prevent stroke. I have seen some bad ones and the ones from AFib tend to be bad.
But if you passed away, you wouldn’t be here to promote your ginger recipe. It’s a little like the 100-year-old who brags about smoking a pack a day all her life. That doesn’t take into consideration all the people who died of lung cancer in their 50s and 60s who should have stopped smoking long ago.
THANK YOU! I've been diagnosed with Afib and my cardiologist wants me on a blood thinner. I feel much better about this situation since watching this video. THANK YOU AGAIN from the U.S.A.
Wow! I so appreciate this information that u so eloquently & so generously & so freely given! You have a real gift of teaching! May the Lord richly bless u for sharing your knowledge so graciously with all of us out here. It really gets gets confusing out there about AFIB.
what is your BP before taking Metoprolol and then during? This lowered my BP so far I could not take it. My BP is normal without any chemical intervention.
Thank you so much for info. It makes my decision ever so much easier. I find your videos extremely informative. I am male 67 and diagnosed AFib a few months ago. It is a scary diagnosis, and you are helping me through this process. Thanks again!
Thank you for educating us! If only the rest of your colleagues would take the time to talk with us and not down to us, we would have a better relationship!
Live in Canada no antidote for it here yet. Not approved. I take pradaxa tho was more pricy then warfarin. Low income senior so not sure how long I can afford it.
I’m diagnosed with Pots, Sjogrens Syndrome, Atrial Fibulation, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. I fell in the garden in 2018 and I cracked some ribs, got a Tibial Plateau Fracture, broke my thumb, sprained my wrist and my ankle. Nerve Damage, Peripheral Neuropathy. I often get high blood pressure readings and sometimes a fib. I have been prescribed with the lowest dose of Digoxin but the dose has now been increased. I feel terrible, I can’t sleep, the headaches are horrendous, as are the dry eyes etc. After a lot of biopsies for suspected breast cancer in July of this year. I got a call back and they put more Titanium screws in and didn’t take them out. The team were absolutely brilliant. I’m still in a lot pain but I’m not sure if it’s the CRPS pains or the Titanium screws. The CRPS has now spread to my right leg and beyond. I’m now using a wheelchair because I can’t bend my knee and I have foot drop. I’m 80 years old.
Thanks brother. You made me comfortable with taking anticoagulants just by explaining. My doctor should learn from you. You are truly meant to be a doctor. I can tell. God bless you and never be corrupted. Thanks
I've had an ablation since aged 38 and cardiac pacemakers. I'm now 68. Odd atrial flutter. I take nothing. Live vegetarian mostly. Had about 5 pacemakers. I've told my cardiologist I will go on blood thinners when I'm 70. Recent heart scan showed no cardio vascular disease whatsoever.
Someone very dear to me was taking an anti-coagulant for afib and, after some time, died from a massive brain haemorrhage within the hour. The hospital staff declared ‘no hope’: no possibility of saving her life. But, if she had had a stroke, there would have been the possibility of saving her life and eventual recovery depending on the stroke. If I am ever prescribed anti-coagulants, I would take the risk of a stroke and not leave myself open to certain sudden death by brain haemorrhage. The anti-coagulant killed the patient it was supposed to protect, there was NO prospect or hope of recovery. I feel cheated.
So sorry James. Scary. I won't take them ever. My dad died at 32 from a cerebral hemorrhage. Garlic, fish oil and I am sure there are other natural blood thinners.
Exactly. These are scary drugs and as patients, we do not have things explained clearly to us so that we may make well informed decisions. Through my own research I have also discovered the people who take warfarin generally almost always end up with calcified coronary arteries. The reason for this is because warfarin essentially cancels out your vitamin K. Vitamin K is necessary to keep arteries clean. This is seldom if ever discussed with patients, and was not touched on in this video either.
@@zuckerrat8272 - Yes, I agree. My husband has been on warfarin for 2 decades now. He has severe calcification in his groin arteries, and moderate in his carotids. He eats very healthy, is slim and exercises daily. No matter how carefully we regulate this diet, his warfarin numbers go up and down and are never correct, which is dangerous, but he can't take any of those new drugs because he has a mitral valve prolapse.
@@mimirose5909 - S-acetyl Glutathione is also a wonderful anti-coagulant that also helps your liver to detoxify you, but there is no way to regulate dosage, since no research is done on a substance that can't be patented and make the Big Pharma even richer. Pumpkin seed oil is also good. Also very good is lumbrokinase, which is not available in the USA since it might compete with expensive drugs. Serrapeptase and nattokinase are available but are not strong enough.
Thank you . Having just recently been placed on anticoagulants , and having little history of any medical problems in my 72 years, your video has greatly reassured me that I have chosen the correct path. Very much appreciated.
Thank you so much for this. It makes my decision ever so much easier. I find your videos extremely reassuring. AFib is a scary diagnosis, and you are helping me through this process. Cheers!
I've had A Fib for several years along with a few other heart related things, have been taking Eliquis for about the same amount of time. The only thing I don't like is that I don't have the energy I used to have...probably not Eliquis fault..
Thank you sir, I have been following your web. I found that they are very informative and save me a lot of worries as a Afib person and is on blood thinner medication.
My father died because he was taking Apixaban (Eliquis). His physician either did not know or neglected to inform him that there is no antidote for Apixaban. He suddenly found himself in need of life-saving surgery one day, and because of the presence of Apixaban in his system the hospital would not risk surgical intervention. They explained that a multi-day waiting period was necessary in order to ensure that the Apixaban had dissipated from his system. He died waiting.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! You helped me sort through my exact concerns as if I was sitting across the office from you! I'm 100% now without any fear!
I'm 72 and just because of that I'm already on a CHAD score of 1. I have been fit and healthy all my life, very active in sports, body building etc and looked after my diet very carefully and have a supplementation regime. I had no symptoms of Cardio disease but was picked up on an ECG as having a blockage. Further investigative work showed one blockage and four restrictions. Surgeon said there was nothing I could have done about it - it was genetic and it should have happened to me when I was 50 but my life-style gave me 20 years. I've now had by-pass surgery and have been put on Rat poison. I was walking 12 km a day right up to the day prior to the op. My concern about medication is that the body has to process these dangerous chemicals - I know a guy who was on a medication regime [like they want me on] for over 15 years when one day his Dr said to him there was nothing further medical science to do for him as his kidneys/liver had shut down. I've never been on medication in my life and don't want to start now, especially on something I see as a death sentence.
@@sisutechsupport8246 Yeah, Big Pharma want you on drugs for life, it is a guaranteed income. I do use natural supplements and have done since I was about 18. Currently taking Zinc, CoQ10. Vit D3/K2, Omega 3 caps, Wheatgerm caps, DHEA, Essential Amino Acids, Multi Minerals and Prostate Support [Saw Palmetto/Stinging Nettle Root] and Low-Dose Aspirin. I take Vit C when I feel I need it. It's now 7 ~ 8 weeks post Op and I'm walking at least 6 km every day; could do more but want to build-up slowly. [Scared of going into AF]. BP is currently excellent and my only "concern" is I'm still having trouble getting a good lung full of air, but it's improving.
Rat poison? WTH? RAT POISON IS MOSTLY ARSENIC. ARSENIC BUILDS UP IN THE BODY CAUSING CARCINOGENIC TUMORS. WHO THE H. E DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS PUT YOU ON RAT POISON? WHAT QUACK ARE YOU SEEING?
The problem you are going to have with this approach is, how much of each should you take? How do you measure the quality and potency of these items as there is no regulation on them? Slippery slope.
Was hospitalized three times with GI bleeds while on “blood thinners.” Doc had me on aspirin first then clopidogrel. I finally told him enough is enough and refuse to take any more. He backed off and supported my decision.
Thank you so much,, you have eased my mind and anxiety so very much,,, I have not been able to reach this level of trust and calmness with my cardiologist.. im so glad I found your video. Looking forward to other of your videos,, Health is a scary thing to us of older ages..
This has answered so many of my questions, thank you! After doing a search I now note that the reversal agents for Apixaban etc have now been developed.
I was on xarelto, for AF. I lost my job and could not afford it so I stopped taking it, I had a stroke a few weeks later, I was very fit and ate healthy, in my early 60's, I am now on eliquis. no side effects with either.
This was great advice Doc. I had intermittent afib which lead to stroke. After my initial stroke the afib became permanent and I had two more. Now at 69 Im taking Eliquis (Apixaban) for a blood thinner along with BP meds and a heart rate control drug Digoxin. I feel great and have zero side effects. To be honest the anticoagulant gives me peace of mind of having another stroke. I lost weight, walk every day and do light workouts with weights.
@@davidmcc8727 I haven't had any real problem with bleeding other than when you get a cut it takes longer to stop. I just wrap it better. Or add pressure a bit longer. I have not experienced more bruising either. 🤷🏻♂
@@SlickCat because Eliquis does not have an antidote.....no way to shut it down and do emergency surgery. I had an appendix rupture and had to wait 12 hours because the hospital had given me my Eliquis......I had not noticed......luckily the surgeon caught it OR had they went ahead with the surgery I would have bled to death on the operating table. Eliquis and several other new blood thinners have ZERO way to reverse or stop effects enough to do emergency surgery.....you literally have to wait until it clears your system. I learned the hard way and....AND the resulting septic infection from having to sit with a ruptured appendix for over half a day well that nearly killed me....over a month in intensive care.....organs shutting down, etc. It left me with lifelong issues including various heart issues, such as afib. Eliquis and others have many lawsuits against them due to initially lying to the public about them........many people bled to death and if you were lucky and it was not severe they could keep transfusing your blood until you basically had multiple full transfusions which also got the remaining blood thinner out of you..... Yes, Eliquis and others carry a much higher risk of death than people really have any clue about.
Dr. Gupta thank you for your video, although the odds of benefit outweigh the risk of a brain bleed, the outcome of a brain bleed could be a fatal Hemorrhagic stroke. That is one of the things that is putting be off taking an anticoagulant for my AFib. As I understand it you say the risk of a stroke is reduced by 60%, that is the relative reduction, not the absolute reduction which is about 2%. Thank you anyway for taking the time and trouble to show this video.
I've been on Xarelto and Eliquis and aspirin. From personal experience, I respectfully beg to differ with your statement (at 09:32) that apixaban does not increase bleeding chances compared to aspirin. With Xarelto and Eliquis, I would sometimes bleed easily just picking my nose or bumping my hand on an edge of a wooden cabinet or metal motor part.
That's sort of the reason I found this video. Yesterday I bumped my hand up against a brick wall - I got two very minor scratches and thought nothing about it. Little bleeding, nothing to even put a band aid on. Woke up this morning and my hand is all swollen and red. The scratches look fine; but, my hand has been swollen all day. Has this happened to you as well? If so, can I expect it will be fine tomorrow? Your thoughts?
@@arezsmc The hand healed up just fine a day or so after posting. No issues since. I have been on this medication for 5 yrs overall and I have had no bleeding issues at all. It does lengthen healing time by a lot for minor cuts & bruising though. No idea why my hand did what it did. I live in the tropics, so that could have played a part - I'm guessing.
I just started taking apixoban (Eliquis), and almost had a stroke after seeing the price alone! The doctor's office looked into it, contacted the pharmacy, and got the price knocked right down via a manufacturer's coupon. The stuff works pretty well, and zero side effects (so far). See if you can get a coupon though, as they do have them.
Drink plenty...like two glasses of water in the morning to prevent a clot. When you wake up your blood is stickier.Also,after your water..drink coffee or tea with cinnamon. Y'all correct me if I'm wrong.
Dr. Sanjay. What about effects of these drugs on cognition? As an afib and high blood pressure patient, this is of great concern. I can’t seem to find reliable information regarding dementia and blood thinners. I have found that some blood pressure medications may cause dementia as well. Please consider reviewing dementia risk related to cardio meds in general for those of us that are over 60. Love this channel! ❤️❤️❤️
after how long? Usually with apaxiban you are on the full dose for the period of time for therapy, after that you go to half dose for maintanance. I have been on apaxaban for almost 5 years and nothing to report. Even had an elective surgery along this medical journey.
i have trusted xarelto for over 6 years now, i had a mild stroke while taking Warfarin, they could not get the INR regulated , now i have to stop taking Xarelto, not sure what to replace it with ?
@@skismosis what were the symptoms of the mild stroke and was it from the warfarin or related to afib? why would you have to stop with the xarelto? ask your Dr about a maintenence dose. For my own problem I was on apaxaban/eliquis 5mg x times a day for one year. After that went to a maintenence dose of 2.5mg x 2 times a day. Don't have any problems with the eliquis at the maintenence dose. My afib is the paroximal type and my cardiologist feels that I am alright on the reduced dose. Beyond prescription anti coagulents there are natura/suppliment anti-coagulents, K2, Natto, beet root and a few others. I would be careful though depending on what type of afib you have. Persistent is different than paroximal and takes a different medical approach. Have you along with your Dr. discussed a watchman implant? Lastly the internet is the last place to take medical advice from. Use it as information only and discuss that with your Doctor.
excellent advice and informative. thank you Dr Gupta! you make it easier to decide what to do in these situations because you give straight to the point information!
This is one of the videos I like best - maybe because it applies to me. My Cardiologist gave me 9 weeks of Eliquis which worked great for me but I had to switch to Warfarin because of the cost of Eliquis. With Warfarin, I was worried about the bleeding and it ruined my hair. It was dry and brittle like straw and I hated that but Sanjay is right, it got better the !onger I took it. I hate all medication but thank God for it and thank God for doctors like Sanjay. He goes above and beyond, such as giving his time and knowledge making these videos. I hope the exposure nets him a profit other than the love we have for him. God bless you, Handsome Sanjay! You're a good man and a Great doctor! 💖🇺🇸 Come to the USA to work! I actually love you in glasses! They are very suitable for you! 😍
IF you have A-Fib, have the ablation and be done with it ... one of the best things you could do for yourself, next to giving your heart and life to Jesus. I have done both and am SO GLAD I did!!
This is so helpful and clear. Thank you! I have calcifications in my heart arteries and my cardiologist prescribed an anticoagulant . I tried and it was hard for my stomach. Taking Omeprazol regularly to avoid the stomach symptoms worries me because I read its regular use is associated with stomach cancer. It would be good if you can have a video talking about these concerns on gastro side effects and what are the options.
Well put! I have AFib a great deal of the time, it scares me; My worst nightmare is having a stroke, I would rather die than suffer from another stroke! I was so lucky to get away with my first stroke; I could walk after 10 days, my handwriting came back after 4-5 months! I was so lucky with my first stroke! I am 66 and have a Pacemaker and I am on Pradaxa, Dabigatran! My nightmare is having a stroke! Thank You!
@@thefuzzfactor2989 It can be hard to deal with AFib and having to deal with the possibility of uncontrolled bleeding with taking blood thinners! I've finally come to terms with it mostly. As long as it doesn't progress too much? I am a stage 3 cancer survivor, and I truly think that the aggressive chemotherapy treatments I underwent several years ago contributed heavily to my own AFib. But as they say,.....it is what it is!!🙄
Very good presentation on blood thinners! I’m on Eliquis because it’s the only blood thinner that didn’t give me side effects. The only downside is that it’s very expensive even with insurance coverage (in the USA). The high cost is criminal and deadly for those who can’t afford it.
D Lee my father was hospitalized and almost died. They tell me at the hospital oh your insurance covers it, when i pick up the medication the copay was 300 dollars! The system is righed for the elderly. They work pay taxes have only social security and their money goes to medication. So how are they supposed to live off minimal income? It’s a scam in my opinion , the circle of death! Sooo very sad!!!
@@bucii01 Which blood thinner was your father prescribed? There are organizations to help pay for it and also contact the drug companies themselves. Sometimes they pay the entire co-pay or drastically slash the price! Good luck.
@@bucii01 Good deal! That one is very affordable. You do have to get tested quite regularly though to keep you at the right level. But from what I've learned many people have been on it for years and tend to do quite well!😉
I appreciate this information about anticoagulants. I feel more inclined to try one out than I did before I listened to your presentation. My biggest concern is just taking a medication after my experience with metoprolol and medications i have taken in my lifetime that have been removed from the market or suggestions the medical community has made and since reversed...like an asprin a day, vitamin A supplements, calcium supplements etc...Thank you.
That was a brilliant seminar on anticoagulants. I have had AF for 15 years I have been advised to take an anticoagulant to reduce the risk of stroke I was on warfarin it turned me black. I wish Dr Gupta was my cardiologist explained everything clearly giving the reasons why in some cases it is better to take an anticoagulant.
Like you I was diagnosed with AF in 2000 went on Warferen for a very short time iwasnt happy to continue, so because I was not in A/F they put me onTambocor plus I take cartier3 times a week.i am 82 next week Dr out of the blue,says time for an Op?
I have a slow Pulse rate of 48to 50 also had a AF once I am now on apixban twice a day 5mg with a beta blocker of 1.25mg I can't take the antiarrhythmic pills I have tried they made me ill I went from being really feeling well to be so weak I feel ill all the time can you help me please.I believe what I have is slow heartbeat & AF
Thank you so very much Dr. for this so much needed informational videos. You have help me a lot. I suffer two Afib within a few months of each other but was not happy with Eliquis. After watching your video change my mind. Perhaps save my life. Thank you.
Same for me. Very bad stomach pain, weird bad headaches, bleeding hemorrhoids for hours. Decided no more Eliquis! Dr. said no you have to stay on them. Not very nice.
I've am one of those 73 yo mountain biker guys that moan and groan about going on Eliquis because I have developed occasional Afib. But your straight forward tell it like it is presitation convinced me to quit whining and be thankful that there is a reliable med that could save my life. Also, I will be receiving the Watchman Proceedure as soon as the this latest Covid wave passes and there is room at the hospital.
I have always had a lot of respect for you, Dr. Gupta, and your advice but must differ on this one. After a couple of weeks on a newer generation of anti-coagulants I was having spontaneous nosebleeds soaking up many tissues before I could stop it & continuously bleeding hemorrhoids. Yes it really made me fear a brain bleed. Four different blocker-type meds tried made me horribly ill. I researched herbals & now have had zero A-Fib & zero bleeds in 1 1/2 years on herbs & many anti-coagulant foods. It's work but it pays off.
i have always maintained that information is power Esther. If you have done your research and are well informed and happy to take accountability for your decision-making then you should always do what works for you. My problem is that i treat populations.. what didnt work for you may work for others and what did work for you may not work for others..and this is why i have to stay within the constraints of clinical guidelines... and this is why being well informed and doing your own research and being your own advocate is always a great idea.
I suffer with AFIB and I took Warfrin for a number of years and was ok. I had no problems and was living with AFIB ok. However when I was in a bad bout of depression I stopped taking the tablets that kept my blood from clotting and in a month I was rushed to hospital with a blood clot on my lung I was in a bad way and was hospitalised for 2 weeks while they cleared the clots and got my blood levels back to what they were, If you have AFIB you need the tablets or you will get blood clots very easily. I am ok now and taking my meds at 73 yrs young.
Keeping the patient from having a stroke. I had one and any side effect is a welcomed trade off to the possibility of having a stroke and not being able to walk or care for yourself or the ability to think and function.
I mention on another post that I wish you would do a post like this, and I see you already have! Another very informative post. Like I said there, my 88 year old mom has been on Warfarin at least 10 years, she does not mind the hassel, does well, but I have the feeling the Warfarin is taking a toll on her, bone, dementia, possibly blood sugar. Glad to know these possible alternatives.
This video fails to mention other adverse side effects of xeralto and eliquis, the two drugs I've used: diminished muscle strength, breathing and swallowing problems, zombie like malaise feelings stemming from dissociation from self, slower muscle reflex reaction and the depression and despair resulting from the aforementioned. In the risk reward calculus, those side effects are better than a stroke, of course. But people should know the possible adverse side effects they may experience.
I've been on xarelto for 3 years now and never experienced any of what you're saying. Knock Wood! But the beta blocker I was prescribed had me feeling very tired all the dang time! Stopped taking it about a year ago and feel ever so much better!😊
@@gloriamaryhaywood2217 I'm glad xeralto is working for you. I just got off xeralto three weeks ago and am thrilled to see my strength is returning. Side effects are often individually based. I took a beta blocker and it really sent me on a loop. Switched to a calcium blocker and struggled through that period with many adverse side effects until the magic day came when the good doctor said I didn't need it anymore Gloria......good luck in your struggle. I hope you get well.
@@rustycalvera977 Thank you. I feel good these days and only take 2 medications. It sounds like you are one of those people who are super sensitive to medication? My late older sister was that way. Wishing you all the Best!😊
I would add arthritic pain to go with the side effects you have mentioned. Eliquis gives me severe back and ankle pain. I can’t even eat garlic or onions as these will significantly elevate the pain. I would presume this is due to over-coagulation. I literally have to take 48 hour breaks from time to time just so I can get a good nights sleep.
My answer to nervousness about being on an anti-coagulant is to look at those people I know who have already had strokes. The devastation which can be caused by a stroke is far worse than any possible random bleed.
The side effects of anticoagulants such as Eliquis and Xarelto are much more far reaching than a random nosebleed. Chronic lack of energy, restricted throat, bruising, stomach pain and lesions, tarry black stool, bloody urine and hair loss...combined all result in poor quality of life. Stroke avoidance is of supreme importance yes, but at what cost?
@@bobeskance8965 You might wish to investigate the benefit of the following supplements: Magnesium Glycinate (for the heart), Nattozimes, Co Q-10, Ultimate 16 Strain Probiotic with FOS, Cod Liver Oil, Licorice Root, and Hawthorn Berry. All of which my cardiologist is scornful of (he takes them all however). I was diagnoses with having Sinus rhythm with 1st degree AV block, after having a VT Ablation for several additional PVC's. I have never experienced chest pain, dizziness, palpitations or anything relative to ever having a heart condition. I have been advised in order to avoid future potential stroke the three alternatives are Eliquis, Xarelto or the implanting of a Watchman in my heart. Both anticoagulants are out of the question due to side effects (Warferin is not recommended because of the need for regular monitoring). Since I don't want any further professional "surgical messing" with my heart, coupled with the low quality of life previously experienced while on anticoagulants, I've added over the years several of these supplements to my already excellent diet. Sinus rhythm with 1st degree AV block does need monitoring, but it's not considered life threatening ....I'm well aware of the dire consequences of stroke. By the way I'm super active, walk three miles everyday and strength exercise.
Thank you for this video, it was very helpful for me. I'm currently recovering from a double bypass and anticoagulants have been an option offered to me. This video made me less concerned about taking them.
Blood thinners do not actually make your blood thinner. Nor can they break up clots. But they do keep blood from forming new clots. They can also slow the growth of existing ones. Correct?
I live in America and take xarelto for my afib. One concern you did not mention is cost. Without pharmaceutical insurance my cost is close to $ 600.00 a month. With the pharmaceutical insurance I have my cost are about $ 128.00 a month. So that said, cost can be a real challenge. Good lesson and I subscribed so I'll be learning more from you about my cardiovascular disease.
I had an ablation a year and a half ago . I've taken warfarin , eliquis and xarelto . All three make me feel awful with extreme fatigue and massive migraines , shortness of breath with zero energy . I get out of bed at 10- 11 am and by 2 pm I'm wiped right out , and lay on the couch till I go to bed . Thinking of trying Nattokinase . These drugs make me feel like I'm dying .
I am 68, had an ablation in Nov. 2021. Coming up on 1 year anniversary . Taking Xarelto this whole time. Nothing has changed with my life, still active and feeling great. Like everything else, each individual is different and how they react to drugs, thank God , I am doing good.
@@londonhawg1954 I've not had an ablation but I've been on xarelto for over 3 years now. And So far So good! Was afraid of taking it at first, but I'm happy to say that No negative side-effects so far that I know of. I will be 68 years old in January myself.
I took Eliquis for awhile until I did research as I didn't trust it from the beginning and started looking at alternatvies and have been on Nattokinase, Serepeptase and lumbrokinase. Haven't looked back.
My Cardiologist said exactly the same thing - that "aspirin was a waste of time" for AFIB. There are side effects with the medication but more serious risks without it. Warfarin is the cheapest but also has the most side effects, and the regular bloodwork is a nuisance because the dosages changes constantly.
what dosage changes ive been on 10mg warfarin every day for 10 years,, before that I was on other anticoagulants dindevan, if you change your routine in your diet dramatically by eating foods high in vitimin K randomly it will decrease the effectivness of the warfarin just eat a litlle of everything and often and your dosage will remain constant. I love Blue stilton cheese and it contains an antibiotic it can make your blood less sticky or raise your INR, but eat it once a week and your meds stabilise, if you ate it once a month it would muck up your meds. the same goes for brocolli or spinage eat these things regularly and everything balences out, eat them once every month or two months then expect changes to your warfarin dose. its purely a matter of managing your diet thats all its not hard to do.
Yes, I had a stroke and my doctor was open to alternatives such as MK7 to facilitate the excess calcium I have in my blood that causes clogged arteries and is assimilated to my bones where its needed. I also take D3. Good diet, low sugar and no gluten is antinflammatory. No medication will help much unless I take seriously in what I eat and don't eat! Exercise is very important too.
I am a 64 y.o. athlete who still races bicycles who had incidences of Afib. My last 2 video describe what I did and how things were after my latest Afib incident.
My husband was out on Elequis for AFIB He has bronchiactisis and during a cough he began coughing up massive amounts of blood landing him in icu He nearly died got 3 bags of whole blood snd 2 platlets and antibiotics Blood was all In his lungs He has been taken off them Permanently
I had internal bleeding on eliquis and twice needed blood transfusions. Idiot cardiologist wouldn't take me off eliquis. Took 2nd heart attack and bypass surgery plus a better cardiologist to get me off eliquis.
So I had a Stroke on 5-12-2022 and the reasons the docs believe was do to A-Fib which caused a Blood Clot that covered the entirety of my Right side of the brain. After having the clot removed on 5-13-2022 I was up and walking around, no cognizant impairment whatsoever. On 5-16-2022 I was able to walk out of the hospital on my own. For the next month or so I was at home and put on Warfin, Atorvastatin and Diltiazem along with Vitamin D3. At know time prior did I have a History of High Cholesterol, High BP, or any Heart related issues. At the time of my stroke I was working a crazy amount of Hours and became dehydrated. So I meet with my Cardiologist for the 1st time on 6-14-2022 he's amazed I'm not in a wheelchair or have some severe impairments. He can't believe how Fit I am for my age 55 5'9 a solid 195 and BMI 26. Well he immediately starts talking to me about Blood Thinners/Anticoagulants and how he has something much better for me than Warfin and all the Blood Exams ect. Well after having been poked and blood drawn in the last month anything besides that sounded great. I was prescribed Pradaxa along with my other medications. Well first came the Sticker shock at the Pharmacy and from there the downhill cycle. He never explained any of the possible side effects from the Pradaxa or the combination of the other meds I prescribed. So 30 to 45 days into taking all the meds I began to have these Hot Flashes with entire left side of my body feeling hot with tingling and some stiffness. I had know ideal where it was coming from cause I had never experienced anything like. My weight climbed, my cholesterol scores. According score and everything else went up. My visit to my Primary care physician made things even worse because he said I was Diabetic with 1 A1c reading of 6.5. After being under his care for 5 years and never a score above 6.1 he said yep your now Diabetic. Well my mind went crazy. I've always been fit, lived a well balanced lifestyle with diet and exercise. No alcohol, tobacco or drug usage whatsoever. I said doc give 30 to 45 days to loose some weight increase the exercise and see what happens. Well down to 182lbs, BMI 24.2. All of my recent test scores came back to below pre-stroke range. Have taken the Heary Stress test negative, no blocked Arteries, plaque build up, thyroid negative, A1c 6.0, Cholesterol Total 147 HDL 44 and Non-HDL 103 and BP 140/85 range. No longer on the statin and beta blockers on the only constant has been me trying both Pradaxa and Eliquis with the same exact same side effects with stress level being elevated because I can't figure our why I feel like Crap. I just switched back to Warfin, Magnesium supplements and Vitamin D3. Hoping that this works much better than the other cocktail prescribed because can't take the heat and tingling along with feeling like my equilibrium is off.
Pradaxa has given me no some effects and my body very drug sensitive. So am relieved. No weight gain, energy same is good. I have afib well managed and also unstable angina. So high stroke risk which I will not risk.
Strat O'Catster It is used in rat poison because the mechanism of action of the rat poison is to cause the blood to not coagulate and have the rats bleed to death internally. They do this by using considerably higher doses for the rats than in humans. Approximately 50% of tested lab rats die at a concentration of 3 mg/kg of warfarin (A Pesticide Information Project of Cooperative Extension Offices of Cornell University, Michigan State University, Oregon State University, and the University of California at Davis.). The average starting dose for an adult is 2-5 mg total which is approximately 1/60th the lethal dose assuming that humans and rats share the similar toxicological ratios based on weight (for the average human). If you take 60 times the recommended dose of any drug you are likely to die as a result of it. The reason that warfarin is used to kill rats is due to the fact that it is cheap to produce and will be lethal is a small enough concentration that the rat doesn't need to take in a lot of it in order to be lethal. The goal of western medicine is to keep people alive as long as ethically possible and even in countries where healthcare is substantially subsidized these medications are being prescribed at the expense of the health care system. It is frustrating to have people like you sharing your opinions which are not based on fact, evidence, or research in order to attempt to change other peoples opinion as to the benefits of the medications. Warfarin, like any drug does carry certain risks however there have been multiple studies that have proven with statistics and evidence that it is highly beneficial to patients with A-fib. As with any time people are placed on medications the reason behind it should be clear to the patient and they should understand the risks and benefits as discussed with their physician prior to starting them.
Thanks for the very clear and concise delivery. At 73 with A-Fib I’ve been recommended to take Edoxaban. Having two friends on anticoagulants that have had bleeds on the brain I am understandably apprehensive. I’ve considered paying for an ablation or even a LAAO rather than taking Edoxaban. Your presentation has really helped and I think I’ll go to my GP and pick up the prescription 👍
Good job Dr. I would like to see more U.S. doctors seek out the causation of AFIB. The mp of the world depicts the U.S. as the center of the world's AFIB concentration. While there are many factors, much like diabetes is also centered in the U.S, we know that countries similar to the U.S. (none, really), there is an explanation for this. AFIB is also a $100 B business in the U.S.
There is a device made by Cardia(Omron) that can do an ECG & can be done at home. Please do a video on that as well. Once again thank you for all your good work and for simplifying medical jargon.
A week ago, I had afib. I was ushered to emergencies. After a few hours the cardiologist put me on a blood-thinner and a betablocker . Bloodthinner apixaban, two tablets a day and 1 tablet a day for the betablocker. My life is sedentary, 76 years old, overweight, not able to walk over 1 mile. I am depressed and I refuse antidepressants. Tkank you, Sir, for your excellent, informative videos.
Having lost Uncle Victor to a cerebral hemorrhage some years ago (Uncle Victor was on Warfarin), I hesitate to take any anti-coagulant... and being a paroxysmal Afib sufferer, I have the luxury of NOT taking an anti-coagulant since I only suffer sustained episodes of Afib (over ten hours duration) once every three to five years. My heart goes out to those who deal with continuous Afib seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
You should consider a brain scan that will look at all the arteries of the brain and map any Aneurysms. With a family history, this might make your life a little less scary. While not all brain bleeds are from Aneurysms, some of the worst are. I lost my first wife to this and would give anything if i could go back in time and have her scanned.
Had a long spell over 10 hrs pulse at 200+, just would not stop. Had a trip in the Ambulance near the Hospital had a kerb mounting jolt to get past badly parked cars. It stopped my a fib immediately. The attendant and talked to me and kept me busy, mind off the pulse. Since it was the bump, I use some chest fist bumps whenever I get the feeling it’s starting. Take only a few supplements in a non routine. If I remember. Nothing habitual as I’m a self heal believer. Talk to your brain and it , to your DNA . Self activate DNA repair, but believe it or it’s not going to happen. The plascibo is you . Not as a prayer, an instruction. Near 86 yrs. still active, had a bad time on meds. Eat well the right stuff get if fresh from the garden.Take garlic olive oils turmeric, ginger , cinnamon oily fish all food for meds. Asprin if the pulse gets too slow 40s. Now and then.
Great video. My mom was told to take apixaban. We were against thw idea due to fear of bleeding. My mom had a TIA six months ago, she's diabetic and 70 years old. Her heart specialist diagnosed AFIB after my mom wore a heart monitor for two weeks and he was strongly advising her to start apixaban but we were worried. I have told her to begin the medicine thanks to your information from this video.
I was put on Eloquis over my contesting it.... I did not want it or need it.... I got every one of the side effects but they would not wean me off it.... I took a month to wean myself.... I am finally getting my strength back and the fainting spells caused by it are nearly zero..... I have had friends who have fallen, hit their head and died from a brain bleed.... I told the doctors I was more afraid of a brain bleed than a stroke, as I had A Fib for more then 35 years and controlled it with natural blood thinners with no side effect, plus exercise etc.... No more painful panic attacks caused by these drugs either.... Yes, I may die from a hear attack or stroke anyways, but I will be 84 in a few weeks and have had a great life.... I do not want to go to the end in pain with fainting spells, weakness, instability in walking and the inability to swallow food.... plus a myriad of other side effects....
Never was on that one. Neither warfarin nor the pradaxa gave me side effects. I am usually very drug sensitive too. Only the med for afib when too high a dose gave me fainting spells. It was lowered and been fine since. I'd prefer to have to take no drugs but do not want a stroke.
A very informative video as always. In addition I would love to hear also a little bit more about the real stroke risks (CHAD/ ATRIA Score and HASBLED) in relation to the real benefit in taking Anticoagulants. Some authorities say anticoagulants are reducing the risk of clot forming up to 60+%, but we shouldn't forget that, if my theoretical stroke risk is somewhere around 0.2% per year, the risk reduces in the very best case for 0.12%. So, what if people don't want to take these medication anyway or simply can not afford them (I heard approx. 500-700 $ a month in the US?), what is their option?
Thank you a million times for explaining the whole subject. I've only just been diagnosed with Afib, and am due for a consultation with a pharmacist regarding anti-coagulant meds. I'm 74, fortunate to breath on a daily basis, and, despite constant aches and pains, wish to stay around for a while longer. I can now, without trepidation, decide to go the anti-coagulant route.
FYI, no one, including the medical field really addresses compound risk from treatment such as blood thinner for afib. I was just taking Xarelto anticoagulant to reduce my risk of stroke due to hypertrophic cariomyopathy. What I was not told was that anticoagulants increased my risk of a brain bleed - subarachnoid hemorrage (SAH) from 1 in 10,000 in the total population to 1 in 100 - some studies say its even worse for warfarin. I have these references from the biomedical literature. As he does discuss SAH in the video, what Dr. York does not discuss is that stroke most often is not lethal, but subarachnoid hemorrage is! I was lucky did not die or have other morbidities from a recent subarachanoid hemorrage. Just finished two months of recovery. There are other risks too with anti-coagulants. You really need to weigh the reduction in risk to tht total increase in risk including compound risks (never combined in practice) and whether these are risks are for mortality or morbidity, and for that matter the severity of the morbidity. This will help consumers make better-informed decisions for their care.
Thank you for such a great review of this subject! I have P. A. fib and have been on apixaban, reluctantly, but you have helped reassure me and explain the options in a way I didn't grasp before.
Hate being on a blood thinner. Wearing a monitor and do not have many episodes of afib but it’s like sitting on a time bomb. Thank you doctor, you explain things so much better than my afib team.
@@marilynpieretti5886 Yeah, I agree about the necessity of having to take a blood thinner. But the risk of Stroke is just toooo high with Afib to consider Not taking it! Either way you are sitting on a potential time bomb. (Hopefully in the near future we will have better options available!!)
This was very reassuring for me. I’m 70, had an ablation op about a year ago and have been on edoxaban for a couple of years now. I often wondered about the necessity of anti-coagulants & must admit I was one of the people you mentioned who thought they actually thinned the blood, good to know they don’t! Thanks for a very clear, down to earth explanation, much appreciated.
It's still dangerous..... when you bleed the bleeding does not stop..... Obviously the doctor is an advocate for blood thinners which is ok for other people, but not for me.... I had other medications that made me bleed and had to go to the hospital to stop the huge bleeding..... from cortisone
TRY FISH OIL TOO
Do you take 60mgs of Edoxaban daily and do you have any side effects?
Thank you so much for this video. You are a great teacher. I am a 67 year old male and have AFIB and been taking Rivaroxaban since turning 65, and I now understand the pro's and con's of taking the coagulant. I am now a subscriber to your channel.
What worries me, more than its cost, is that we have to be on it for the rest of our lives!
Thanks a ton for explaining clearly all the facets of this treatment!
For blood thining i take piece of ginger, one clove of garlic and turmeric water in the morning and vegetables and fruit. This diet has given me good results.
Very informative
how much ginger how much turmeric i put some red pepper with a little turmeric and some black pepper wish i knew how much?
For how long? I am allergic to garlic can't have it. Do use ginger root and tumeric. Still no way to test blood levels enough to prevent stroke. I have seen some bad ones and the ones from AFib tend to be bad.
But if you passed away, you wouldn’t be here to promote your ginger recipe. It’s a little like the 100-year-old who brags about smoking a pack a day all her life. That doesn’t take into consideration all the people who died of lung cancer in their 50s and 60s who should have stopped smoking long ago.
The best explanation of blood thinners I've ever heard. I salute you.
yes, thank you
THANK YOU! I've been diagnosed with Afib and my cardiologist wants me on a blood thinner. I feel much better about this situation since watching this video. THANK YOU AGAIN from the U.S.A.
Beware - go natural.
TAKE NATTOKINASE …
Beware of what? @@snowyowl6892
Zee by CT by by@@snowyowl6892
@@snowyowl6892 Thank you!
Wow! I so appreciate this information that u so eloquently & so generously & so freely given! You have a real gift of teaching! May the Lord richly bless u for sharing your knowledge so graciously with all of us out here. It really gets gets confusing out there about AFIB.
Your presentations have given me more information and support than I ever got from my Cardiologist over the past 10 years!👍
tumeric dose not work with blood thinners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks. I learned a lot more. I'm 87 and on Metoprolol...6yrs and with no major problems and I'm in the gym 4days a wk.
Good for you! Gives hope to us youngsters in our 70s!
And we still die. Have a lovely life.......
what is your BP before taking Metoprolol and then during? This lowered my BP so far I could not take it. My BP is normal without any chemical intervention.
Why?
As a nurse in the US, appreciate your videos! I will share with my facebook friends as well.
Thank you so much for info. It makes my decision ever so much easier. I find your videos extremely informative. I am male 67 and diagnosed AFib a few months ago. It is a scary diagnosis, and you are helping me through this process. Thanks again!
I have 14 years afib and bfib every week at least. After you have afib use 1 aspirin en 400mg magnesium. Now I am 68 years old. Never used any drugs.
Thank you for educating us! If only the rest of your colleagues would take the time to talk with us and not down to us, we would have a better relationship!
Thank you! I am on Eliquis for three months since I had my second heart ablation. You put my mind at ease.
Live in Canada no antidote for it here yet. Not approved. I take pradaxa tho was more pricy then warfarin. Low income senior so not sure how long I can afford it.
@@jarsenault6418I'm in France and it's totally free here (Eliquis 5mg x2 a day).
Oh too bad you still have to take a blood thinner after abulation. I thought it would eliminate that.
How did the ablation go? Any suggestions or words of wisdom?
I’m diagnosed with Pots, Sjogrens Syndrome, Atrial Fibulation, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. I fell in the garden in 2018 and I cracked some ribs, got a Tibial Plateau Fracture, broke my thumb, sprained my wrist and my ankle. Nerve Damage, Peripheral Neuropathy.
I often get high blood pressure readings and sometimes a fib. I have been prescribed with the lowest dose of Digoxin but the dose has now been increased. I feel terrible, I can’t sleep, the headaches are horrendous, as are the dry eyes etc. After a lot of biopsies for suspected breast cancer in July of this year. I got a call back and they put more Titanium screws in and didn’t take them out. The team were absolutely brilliant. I’m still in a lot pain but I’m not sure if it’s the CRPS pains or the Titanium screws. The CRPS has now spread to my right leg and beyond. I’m now using a wheelchair because I can’t bend my knee and I have foot drop. I’m 80 years old.
Why can't we have more Doctors like this!?
Totally agree!
They are owned by pharmacies. They get perks for pushing these drugs.
@@laurelbozman6997True
Dr.Gundry,Dr frank suarez,Dr Berg,dr,alejandro some of this dr.do not tells you to be stuck on meds.
Very informative and reassuring information. Thank you, from someone who was recently diagnosed with AFib.
Thanks for the reassurance and the time you took to make this, very decent of you.
Thanks brother. You made me comfortable with taking anticoagulants just by explaining. My doctor should learn from you. You are truly meant to be a doctor. I can tell. God bless you and never be corrupted. Thanks
I've had an ablation since aged 38 and cardiac pacemakers. I'm now 68. Odd atrial flutter. I take nothing. Live vegetarian mostly. Had about 5 pacemakers. I've told my cardiologist I will go on blood thinners when I'm 70. Recent heart scan showed no cardio vascular disease whatsoever.
Did they give you electric shocks to stop the abnormal heart beating?
Someone very dear to me was taking an anti-coagulant for afib and, after some time, died from a massive brain haemorrhage within the hour. The hospital staff declared ‘no hope’: no possibility of saving her life. But, if she had had a stroke, there would have been the possibility of saving her life and eventual recovery depending on the stroke.
If I am ever prescribed anti-coagulants, I would take the risk of a stroke and not leave myself open to certain sudden death by brain haemorrhage. The anti-coagulant killed the patient it was supposed to protect, there was NO prospect or hope of recovery. I feel cheated.
So sorry James. Scary. I won't take them ever. My dad died at 32 from a cerebral hemorrhage. Garlic, fish oil and I am sure there are other natural blood thinners.
Exactly. These are scary drugs and as patients, we do not have things explained clearly to us so that we may make well informed decisions.
Through my own research I have also discovered the people who take warfarin generally almost always end up with calcified coronary arteries. The reason for this is because warfarin essentially cancels out your vitamin K. Vitamin K is necessary to keep arteries clean.
This is seldom if ever discussed with patients, and was not touched on in this video either.
@@zuckerrat8272 - Yes, I agree. My husband has been on warfarin for 2 decades now. He has severe calcification in his groin arteries, and moderate in his carotids. He eats very healthy, is slim and exercises daily. No matter how carefully we regulate this diet, his warfarin numbers go up and down and are never correct, which is dangerous, but he can't take any of those new drugs because he has a mitral valve prolapse.
@@mimirose5909 - S-acetyl Glutathione is also a wonderful anti-coagulant that also helps your liver to detoxify you, but there is no way to regulate dosage, since no research is done on a substance that can't be patented and make the Big Pharma even richer. Pumpkin seed oil is also good. Also very good is lumbrokinase, which is not available in the USA since it might compete with expensive drugs. Serrapeptase and nattokinase are available but are not strong enough.
Btw: the name of the anti-coagulant was mentioned on the Death Certificate ! It wasn’t Warfarin.
Thank you . Having just recently been placed on anticoagulants , and having little history of any medical problems in my 72 years, your video has greatly reassured me that I have chosen the correct path. Very much appreciated.
Thank you so much for this. It makes my decision ever so much easier. I find your videos extremely reassuring. AFib is a scary diagnosis, and you are helping me through this process. Cheers!
I've had A Fib for several years along with a few other heart related things, have been taking Eliquis for about the same amount of time. The only thing I don't like is that I don't have the energy I used to have...probably not Eliquis fault..
@@joew9392 Do you also take a beta blocker?🤔 Because beta blockers can indeed cause serious fatigue!!
@@gloriamaryhaywood2217 You're right, I'm on a beta blocker and never needed naps before 🤣
@@SlickCat Yup. I stopped taking my beta blocker over a year ago! Feel much more energized now!!😉
@@joew9392 l
Thank you sir, I have been following your web. I found that they are very informative and save me a lot of worries as a Afib person and is on blood thinner medication.
Thank you for the wonderful information I really appreciate it I’ve been on warfarin for many years Iam 85 years old now and I won’t stop taking it.
Why should other people pay for that?
My father died because he was taking Apixaban (Eliquis). His physician either did not know or neglected to inform him that there is no antidote for Apixaban. He suddenly found himself in need of life-saving surgery one day, and because of the presence of Apixaban in his system the hospital would not risk surgical intervention. They explained that a multi-day waiting period was necessary in order to ensure that the Apixaban had dissipated from his system. He died waiting.
I am sorry to hear this..there is now a reversal agent for Apixaban which has been approved but is still not yet commonly available
Thank you for sharing this painful experience. I’m sorry to hear this. RIP
Wow... I regret your loss...
Several transfusions, a week in the hospital & I'm ALIVE today to enjoy my grandson 🙏❤️
There is an antidote now tho. Was always a big warning on the box and drug insert info.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! You helped me sort through my exact concerns as if I was sitting across the office from you! I'm 100% now without any fear!
thank you!
Elaine The Pain Good Luck with your treatment, whichever route you go. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jth.12969
Will 3cartia a week cause bleeding plus all the garlic ieat
I'm 72 and just because of that I'm already on a CHAD score of 1. I have been fit and healthy all my life, very active in sports, body building etc and looked after my diet very carefully and have a supplementation regime. I had no symptoms of Cardio disease but was picked up on an ECG as having a blockage. Further investigative work showed one blockage and four restrictions. Surgeon said there was nothing I could have done about it - it was genetic and it should have happened to me when I was 50 but my life-style gave me 20 years. I've now had by-pass surgery and have been put on Rat poison. I was walking 12 km a day right up to the day prior to the op. My concern about medication is that the body has to process these dangerous chemicals - I know a guy who was on a medication regime [like they want me on] for over 15 years when one day his Dr said to him there was nothing further medical science to do for him as his kidneys/liver had shut down. I've never been on medication in my life and don't want to start now, especially on something I see as a death sentence.
Don’t forget how much money they make on these medications…have you considered natural supplements like herbs?
@@sisutechsupport8246 Yeah, Big Pharma want you on drugs for life, it is a guaranteed income. I do use natural supplements and have done since I was about 18. Currently taking Zinc, CoQ10. Vit D3/K2, Omega 3 caps, Wheatgerm caps, DHEA, Essential Amino Acids, Multi Minerals and Prostate Support [Saw Palmetto/Stinging Nettle Root] and Low-Dose Aspirin. I take Vit C when I feel I need it. It's now 7 ~ 8 weeks post Op and I'm walking at least 6 km every day; could do more but want to build-up slowly. [Scared of going into AF]. BP is currently excellent and my only "concern" is I'm still having trouble getting a good lung full of air, but it's improving.
Rat poison? WTH? RAT POISON IS MOSTLY ARSENIC. ARSENIC BUILDS UP IN THE BODY CAUSING CARCINOGENIC TUMORS. WHO THE H. E DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS PUT YOU ON RAT POISON?
WHAT QUACK ARE YOU SEEING?
Rat poison?
They call Warfarin ... Rat Poison
how about natural blood thinner instead of medications like these 1. Turmeric 2. Ginger 3. Cinnamon 4. Cayenne peppers 5. Vitamin E
The problem you are going to have with this approach is, how much of each should you take? How do you measure the quality and potency of these items as there is no regulation on them? Slippery slope.
You forgot water.
Eat right...no more processed foods
Yep thats right. It is included in the book how to have a stroke. Take the drugs they work.
Because I don’t want to die?
Was hospitalized three times with GI bleeds while on “blood thinners.” Doc had me on aspirin first then clopidogrel. I finally told him enough is enough and refuse to take any more. He backed off and supported my decision.
Hi can are you still off blood thinners since your last message? if so how have you been??
Hi thanks for asking. Still off blood thinners. Feeling great; Family doc is happy with my labs so staying the course.
@@SpamMusubi1226 Are you taking any kind of supplements or natural alternatives to blood thinners?
@@Caromo1993 Nothing. Still doing fine.
@@SpamMusubi1226 May I ask Why you were put on the blood thinners in the first place? Was it because of Afib?
Thank you so much,, you have eased my mind and anxiety so very much,,, I have not been able to reach this level of trust and calmness with my cardiologist.. im so glad I found your
video. Looking forward to other of your videos,, Health is a scary thing to us of older ages..
This has answered so many of my questions, thank you! After doing a search I now note that the reversal agents for Apixaban etc have now been developed.
Excellent presentation and very pleasant personality.
Thank you for this video. I was just diagnosed with Afib and was afraid of taking Eliquis. I look forward to learning more from you. God bless you!
I was on xarelto, for AF. I lost my job and could not afford it so I stopped taking it, I had a stroke a few weeks later, I was very fit and ate healthy, in my early 60's, I am now on eliquis. no side effects with either.
This was great advice Doc. I had intermittent afib which lead to stroke. After my initial stroke the afib became permanent and I had two more. Now at 69 Im taking Eliquis (Apixaban) for a blood thinner along with BP meds and a heart rate control drug Digoxin. I feel great and have zero side effects. To be honest the anticoagulant gives me peace of mind of having another stroke. I lost weight, walk every day and do light workouts with weights.
I’m about to start on Apixaban do you worry about bleeding or is it just a rare event?
I had to have 2 blood transfusions on eliquis.
@@davidmcc8727 I haven't had any real problem with bleeding other than when you get a cut it takes longer to stop. I just wrap it better. Or add pressure a bit longer. I have not experienced more bruising either. 🤷🏻♂
@@laurelbozman6997 Wow, are you ok now?
Why the transfusions?
@@SlickCat because Eliquis does not have an antidote.....no way to shut it down and do emergency surgery.
I had an appendix rupture and had to wait 12 hours because the hospital had given me my Eliquis......I had not noticed......luckily the surgeon caught it OR had they went ahead with the surgery I would have bled to death on the operating table. Eliquis and several other new blood thinners have ZERO way to reverse or stop effects enough to do emergency surgery.....you literally have to wait until it clears your system. I learned the hard way and....AND the resulting septic infection from having to sit with a ruptured appendix for over half a day well that nearly killed me....over a month in intensive care.....organs shutting down, etc. It left me with lifelong issues including various heart issues, such as afib.
Eliquis and others have many lawsuits against them due to initially lying to the public about them........many people bled to death and if you were lucky and it was not severe they could keep transfusing your blood until
you basically had multiple full transfusions which also got the remaining blood thinner out of you.....
Yes, Eliquis and others carry a much higher risk of death than people really have any clue about.
Dr. Gupta thank you for your video, although the odds of benefit outweigh the risk of a brain bleed, the outcome of a brain bleed could be a fatal Hemorrhagic stroke. That is one of the things that is putting be off taking an anticoagulant for my AFib. As I understand it you say the risk of a stroke is reduced by 60%, that is the relative reduction, not the absolute reduction which is about 2%. Thank you anyway for taking the time and trouble to show this video.
where did you see the 2% absolute reduction number? That's precisely why I don' take a statin
Thank you Dr.Gupta for all you do to help us stay educated. I really appreciate you.
That was just what I needed. Thanks, you are saving many cardiologists long explanations to their patients. Now I know.
I've been on Xarelto and Eliquis and aspirin. From personal experience, I respectfully beg to differ with your statement (at 09:32) that apixaban does not increase bleeding chances compared to aspirin. With Xarelto and Eliquis, I would sometimes bleed easily just picking my nose or bumping my hand on an edge of a wooden cabinet or metal motor part.
That's sort of the reason I found this video. Yesterday I bumped my hand up against a brick wall - I got two very minor scratches and thought nothing about it. Little bleeding, nothing to even put a band aid on. Woke up this morning and my hand is all swollen and red. The scratches look fine; but, my hand has been swollen all day. Has this happened to you as well? If so, can I expect it will be fine tomorrow? Your thoughts?
@@jdsguam could you provide an update on what happened to you since you posted? A family member has this issue
@@arezsmc The hand healed up just fine a day or so after posting. No issues since. I have been on this medication for 5 yrs overall and I have had no bleeding issues at all. It does lengthen healing time by a lot for minor cuts & bruising though. No idea why my hand did what it did. I live in the tropics, so that could have played a part - I'm guessing.
@@arezsmc FYI, It happened again. Small pump on my hand and now it's swollen and red. Weird.
‘;(
My main concern is the price of the medicine. As a retired senior I'm concerned if I can afford it in the future..
I just started taking apixoban (Eliquis), and almost had a stroke after seeing the price alone! The doctor's office looked into it, contacted the pharmacy, and got the price knocked right down via a manufacturer's coupon. The stuff works pretty well, and zero side effects (so far). See if you can get a coupon though, as they do have them.
@@KJensenStudio Some doctor's offices have samples of Eliquis and will gladly give them to you if you ask...
Warfin/coumadin is cheap
Same here. Live 8n Canada partly covered. Warfarin tho was so cheap but got a brain bleed. Am on a pricier one now. Not sure how long I can afford it.
Drink plenty...like two glasses of water in the morning to prevent a clot. When you wake up your blood is stickier.Also,after your water..drink coffee or tea with cinnamon. Y'all correct me if I'm wrong.
Drinking more water makes sense. I would Not drink tea or coffee however. The caffeine can trigger AFib in some people.
@randy cessna you're wrong
When you have Afib stop taking drinks with caffeine!!.
If you're taking an anti-coagulant you need to go very easy on the cinnamon. God bless.
It's whatever works for you 👍
Dr. Sanjay. What about effects of these drugs on cognition? As an afib and high blood pressure patient, this is of great concern. I can’t seem to find reliable information regarding dementia and blood thinners. I have found that some blood pressure medications may cause dementia as well. Please consider reviewing dementia risk related to cardio meds in general for those of us that are over 60. Love this channel! ❤️❤️❤️
FINALLY...someone who can give an explanation! Got it!!! Thanks so much!!!
Apixaban gradually crushed me. Insomnia, back pain, difficulty breathing. No thanks.
Yeah brilliant. Strokes are much more fun.
after how long? Usually with apaxiban you are on the full dose for the period of time for therapy, after that you go to half dose for maintanance. I have been on apaxaban for almost 5 years and nothing to report. Even had an elective surgery along this medical journey.
i have trusted xarelto for over 6 years now, i had a mild stroke while taking Warfarin, they could not get the INR regulated , now i have to stop taking Xarelto, not sure what to replace it with ?
@@skismosis what were the symptoms of the mild stroke and was it from the warfarin or related to afib? why would you have to stop with the xarelto? ask your Dr about a maintenence dose. For my own problem I was on apaxaban/eliquis 5mg x times a day for one year. After that went to a maintenence dose of 2.5mg x 2 times a day. Don't have any problems with the eliquis at the maintenence dose. My afib is the paroximal type and my cardiologist feels that I am alright on the reduced dose. Beyond prescription anti coagulents there are natura/suppliment anti-coagulents, K2, Natto, beet root and a few others. I would be careful though depending on what type of afib you have. Persistent is different than paroximal and takes a different medical approach. Have you along with your Dr. discussed a watchman implant? Lastly the internet is the last place to take medical advice from. Use it as information only and discuss that with your Doctor.
@@2manycatsforadimeok thats good do you still have clot then
excellent advice and informative. thank you Dr Gupta! you make it easier to decide what to do in these situations because you give straight to the point information!
Joanne Marino I was digosed with a small clot in my left lung. I don't think I should take the elequis.
This is one of the videos I like best - maybe because it applies to me. My Cardiologist gave me 9 weeks of Eliquis which worked great for me but I had to switch to Warfarin because of the cost of Eliquis. With Warfarin, I was worried about the bleeding and it ruined my hair. It was dry and brittle like straw and I hated that but Sanjay is right, it got better the !onger I took it. I hate all medication but thank God for it and thank God for doctors like Sanjay. He goes above and beyond, such as giving his time and knowledge making these videos. I hope the exposure nets him a profit other than the love we have for him. God bless you, Handsome Sanjay! You're a good man and a Great doctor! 💖🇺🇸 Come to the USA to work! I actually love you in glasses! They are very suitable for you! 😍
Isn't it ridiculous how much they charge for eliquis? I'm already seeking an alternative.
@@johngatsby1473 I take Xarelto. Without insurance covering all but $42 dollars it would be impossible to pay for it!!
Yes more as
The cost of Eliquis is significant! It is ridiculously expensive and prohibitive for most people.
a generic version of apixapan eliquis. is becoming available in some countries.@@bjquilts29
IF you have A-Fib, have the ablation and be done with it ... one of the best things you could do for yourself, next to giving your heart and life to Jesus. I have done both and am SO GLAD I did!!
Amen bro 🙏
❤yes
Ablation doesn't always work
He is pharma representative, what else he can tell you
@chesterbikley3483 so is pharma meds...what's your point
This is so helpful and clear. Thank you! I have calcifications in my heart arteries and my cardiologist prescribed an anticoagulant . I tried and it was hard for my stomach. Taking Omeprazol regularly to avoid the stomach symptoms worries me because I read its regular use is associated with stomach cancer. It would be good if you can have a video talking about these concerns on gastro side effects and what are the options.
read up on magnesium and its effect on calcium
@@markmartin6436 thank you, I will read about it!
@@Lana2302RJ he does have a video on gastric/cardio problems. Just type it in, in the search bar.
research k2. K2 directs calcium to bones and teeth instead of arteries and soft tissues also help's to prevent kidney stones.
K2
Turmeric
Ginger
Magnesium
Garlic
Go natural!
Thank you, Dr Gupta! Just what I needed. You might have pushed me over the edge. Gotta think a little more.
Chuck Conlin, 71
Well put! I have AFib a great deal of the time, it scares me; My worst nightmare is having a stroke, I would rather die than suffer from another stroke! I was so lucky to get away with my first stroke; I could walk after 10 days, my handwriting came back after 4-5 months! I was so lucky with my first stroke! I am 66 and have a Pacemaker and I am on Pradaxa, Dabigatran! My nightmare is having a stroke! Thank You!
God Bless you Rob...from New Zealand
I'll pray for you. I find it VERY hard to cope with all this too.
@@thefuzzfactor2989 It can be hard to deal with AFib and having to deal with the possibility of uncontrolled bleeding with taking blood thinners! I've finally come to terms with it mostly. As long as it doesn't progress too much? I am a stage 3 cancer survivor, and I truly think that the aggressive chemotherapy treatments I underwent several years ago contributed heavily to my own AFib. But as they say,.....it is what it is!!🙄
I have both afib and unstable angina. It is very painful and scary. My afib well managed.
JESUS SAVES I'm praying for you
The biggest risk of taking an anticoagulant (like Eliquis) is bankruptcy.
No kidding! And doc says not his problem...
Very true!
@@gmfv125 in Australia, as a pensioner, I pay $6.60 for 3 months supply of Apixiban. I have read how much it costs in the U.S. Big difference.
Plus internal bleeding is the highest risk!!
Just saw my bill for one bottle eliquis...473 dollars(that is after insurance covers it's part). Hard pass. I will just stick
with aspirin
Many thanks for a very good explanation re blood thinners I feel so much more confident after listening to this report.
Thank you, Dr. Gupta. Your video is so great, has answered many of my questions on AFib. Like to watch all of your cardio videos.
Thank you Dr. I'll not worry about taking my 'anticoagulant' now that you've explained what's going on.
Very good presentation on blood thinners! I’m on Eliquis because it’s the only blood thinner that didn’t give me side effects. The only downside is that it’s very expensive even with insurance coverage (in the USA). The high cost is criminal and deadly for those who can’t afford it.
D Lee my father was hospitalized and almost died. They tell me at the hospital oh your insurance covers it, when i pick up the medication the copay was 300 dollars! The system is righed for the elderly. They work pay taxes have only social security and their money goes to medication. So how are they supposed to live off minimal income? It’s a scam in my opinion , the circle of death! Sooo very sad!!!
We pay $475. No Indra ce here. 😬
@@bucii01 Which blood thinner was your father prescribed? There are organizations to help pay for it and also contact the drug companies themselves. Sometimes they pay the entire co-pay or drastically slash the price! Good luck.
@@gloriamaryhaywood2217 really right now my father is on warfarin(coumedine)
@@bucii01 Good deal! That one is very affordable. You do have to get tested quite regularly though to keep you at the right level. But from what I've learned many people have been on it for years and tend to do quite well!😉
I appreciate this information about anticoagulants. I feel more inclined to try one out than I did before I listened to your presentation. My biggest concern is just taking a medication after my experience with metoprolol and medications i have taken in my lifetime that have been removed from the market or suggestions the medical community has made and since reversed...like an asprin a day, vitamin A supplements, calcium supplements etc...Thank you.
That was a brilliant seminar on anticoagulants. I have had AF for 15 years I have been advised to take an anticoagulant to reduce the risk of stroke I was on warfarin it turned me black. I wish Dr Gupta was my cardiologist explained everything clearly giving the reasons why in some cases it is better to take an anticoagulant.
Like you I was diagnosed with AF in 2000 went on Warferen for a very short time iwasnt happy to continue, so because I was not in A/F they put me onTambocor plus I take cartier3 times a week.i am 82 next week Dr out of the blue,says time for an Op?
Thank You Dr., It's very generous of you to do these videos. ❤
I have a slow Pulse rate of 48to 50 also had a AF once I am now on apixban twice a day 5mg with a beta blocker of 1.25mg I can't take the antiarrhythmic pills I have tried they made me ill I went from being really feeling well to be so weak I feel ill all the time can you help me please.I believe what I have is slow heartbeat & AF
Thank you so very much Dr. for this so much needed informational videos. You have help me a lot. I suffer two Afib within a few months of each other but was not happy with Eliquis. After watching your video change my mind. Perhaps save my life. Thank you.
@@שרההרי you shouldn’t be on a beta blocker if you have Bradycardia
@@adonnaprice6028 what should I be on then????
What about low diastolic numbers below 60
I have been on 4 different thinners and have had severe side effects on each one. Life for me on thinners is unbearable.
Have you tried xarelto? I have taken it for a year and a half now with Zero side-effects. At least none that I am yet aware of!
I don't know what you took but I've taken Eliquis for 5 years and have no side effects at all. What did you take?
Same for me. Very bad stomach pain, weird bad headaches, bleeding hemorrhoids for hours. Decided no more Eliquis! Dr. said no you have to stay on them. Not very nice.
Look up natural supplements and herbs… always a natural alternative
I've am one of those 73 yo mountain biker guys that moan and groan about going on Eliquis because I have developed occasional Afib. But your straight forward tell it like it is presitation convinced me to quit whining and be thankful that there is a reliable med that could save my life. Also, I will be receiving the Watchman Proceedure as soon as the this latest Covid wave passes and there is room at the hospital.
I have always had a lot of respect for you, Dr. Gupta, and your advice but must differ on this one. After a couple of weeks on a newer generation of anti-coagulants I was having spontaneous nosebleeds soaking up many tissues before I could stop it & continuously bleeding hemorrhoids. Yes it really made me fear a brain bleed. Four different blocker-type meds tried made me horribly ill. I researched herbals & now have had zero A-Fib & zero bleeds in 1 1/2 years on herbs & many anti-coagulant foods. It's work but it pays off.
i have always maintained that information is power Esther. If you have done your research and are well informed and happy to take accountability for your decision-making then you should always do what works for you. My problem is that i treat populations.. what didnt work for you may work for others and what did work for you may not work for others..and this is why i have to stay within the constraints of clinical guidelines... and this is why being well informed and doing your own research and being your own advocate is always a great idea.
well?? what did you take??
Hello Esther, please help. What herbs did you take and the other foods. Please respond
Esther, we are interested to know which herbs you take.
Do you mind telling us what herbals worked for you . Was tumeric one. Thanks for sharing.
I suffer with AFIB and I took Warfrin for a number of years and was ok. I had no problems and was living with AFIB ok. However when I was in a bad bout of depression I stopped taking the tablets that kept my blood from clotting and in a month I was rushed to hospital with a blood clot on my lung I was in a bad way and was hospitalised for 2 weeks while they cleared the clots and got my blood levels back to what they were, If you have AFIB you need the tablets or you will get blood clots very easily. I am ok now and taking my meds at 73 yrs young.
Great video!!!!!!!!
Thanks for all the info.
I wish my Dr. Would explain things as you do.
Thanks I would really like to get off my meds but now , because of your talk I understand even better what my doctors have been telling me.
you are the best! so what is the anticoagulant doing to the patient in the long run?
Keeping the patient from having a stroke. I had one and any side effect is a welcomed trade off to the possibility of having a stroke and not being able to walk or care for yourself or the ability to think and function.
I mention on another post that I wish you would do a post like this, and I see you already have! Another very informative post. Like I said there, my 88 year old mom has been on Warfarin at least 10 years, she does not mind the hassel, does well, but I have the feeling the Warfarin is taking a toll on her, bone, dementia, possibly blood sugar. Glad to know these possible alternatives.
Eliquis has had no side effects on me that I can tell. I even had a tooth pulled last month and didn't bleed excessively!
This video fails to mention other adverse side effects of xeralto and eliquis, the two drugs I've used: diminished muscle strength, breathing and swallowing problems, zombie like malaise feelings stemming from dissociation from self, slower muscle reflex reaction and the depression and despair resulting from the aforementioned. In the risk reward calculus, those side effects are better than a stroke, of course. But people should know the possible adverse side effects they may experience.
I've been on xarelto for 3 years now and never experienced any of what you're saying. Knock Wood! But the beta blocker I was prescribed had me feeling very tired all the dang time! Stopped taking it about a year ago and feel ever so much better!😊
@@gloriamaryhaywood2217 I'm glad xeralto is working for you. I just got off xeralto three weeks ago and am thrilled to see my strength is returning. Side effects are often individually based. I took a beta blocker and it really sent me on a loop. Switched to a calcium blocker and struggled through that period with many adverse side effects until the magic day came when the good doctor said I didn't need it anymore Gloria......good luck in your struggle. I hope you get well.
@@rustycalvera977 Thank you. I feel good these days and only take 2 medications.
It sounds like you are one of those people who are super sensitive to medication? My late older sister was that way.
Wishing you all the Best!😊
I would add arthritic pain to go with the side effects you have mentioned. Eliquis gives me severe back and ankle pain. I can’t even eat garlic or onions as these will significantly elevate the pain. I would presume this is due to over-coagulation. I literally have to take 48 hour breaks from time to time just so I can get a good nights sleep.
I had rash and open soars on my upper body with elequis. Rash in my ears all down chest and arms. I literally itched all over. I just went off.
My answer to nervousness about being on an anti-coagulant is to look at those people I know who have already had strokes. The devastation which can be caused by a stroke is far worse than any possible random bleed.
There are natural remedies that work well too. We don’t need pharmaceuticals
The side effects of anticoagulants such as Eliquis and Xarelto are much more far reaching than a random nosebleed. Chronic lack of energy, restricted throat, bruising, stomach pain and lesions, tarry black stool, bloody urine and hair loss...combined all result in poor quality of life. Stroke avoidance is of supreme importance yes, but at what cost?
@@Mamaohhh04 Would you please list some natural remedies for preventing clots? Thanks.
@@bobeskance8965 You might wish to investigate the benefit of the following supplements: Magnesium Glycinate (for the heart), Nattozimes, Co Q-10, Ultimate 16 Strain Probiotic with FOS, Cod Liver Oil, Licorice Root, and Hawthorn Berry. All of which my cardiologist is scornful of (he takes them all however). I was diagnoses with having Sinus rhythm with 1st degree AV block, after having a VT Ablation for several additional PVC's. I have never experienced chest pain, dizziness, palpitations or anything relative to ever having a heart condition.
I have been advised in order to avoid future potential stroke the three alternatives are Eliquis, Xarelto or the implanting of a Watchman in my heart. Both anticoagulants are out of the question due to side effects (Warferin is not recommended because of the need for regular monitoring). Since I don't want any further professional "surgical messing" with my heart, coupled with the low quality of life previously experienced while on anticoagulants, I've added over the years several of these supplements to my already excellent diet. Sinus rhythm with 1st degree AV block does need monitoring, but it's not considered life threatening ....I'm well aware of the dire consequences of stroke. By the way I'm super active, walk three miles everyday and strength exercise.
@@pip393 Thanks.
Thank you for this video, it was very helpful for me. I'm currently recovering from a double bypass and anticoagulants have been an option offered to me. This video made me less concerned about taking them.
Blood thinners do not actually make your blood thinner. Nor can they break up clots. But they do keep blood from forming new clots. They can also slow the growth of existing ones. Correct?
I live in America and take xarelto for my afib. One concern you did not mention is cost. Without pharmaceutical insurance my cost is close to $ 600.00 a month. With the pharmaceutical insurance I have my cost are about $ 128.00 a month. So that said, cost can be a real challenge. Good lesson and I subscribed so I'll be learning more from you about my cardiovascular disease.
I had an ablation a year and a half ago . I've taken warfarin , eliquis and xarelto . All three make me feel awful with extreme fatigue and massive migraines , shortness of breath with zero energy . I get out of bed at 10- 11 am and by 2 pm I'm wiped right out , and lay on the couch till I go to bed . Thinking of trying Nattokinase . These drugs make me feel like I'm dying .
I am using Nattokinase. And OPI grapeseed from Teri Natural did research.
I am 68, had an ablation in Nov. 2021. Coming up on 1 year anniversary . Taking Xarelto this whole time. Nothing has changed with my life, still active and feeling great. Like everything else, each individual is different and how they react to drugs, thank God , I am doing good.
@@londonhawg1954 I've not had an ablation but I've been on xarelto for over 3 years now. And So far So good! Was afraid of taking it at first, but I'm happy to say that No negative side-effects so far that I know of. I will be 68 years old in January myself.
I took Eliquis for awhile until I did research as I didn't trust it from the beginning and started looking at alternatvies and have been on Nattokinase, Serepeptase and lumbrokinase. Haven't looked back.
My Cardiologist said exactly the same thing - that "aspirin was a waste of time" for AFIB. There are side effects with the medication but more serious risks without it. Warfarin is the cheapest but also has the most side effects, and the regular bloodwork is a nuisance because the dosages changes constantly.
Go natural
what dosage changes ive been on 10mg warfarin every day for 10 years,, before that I was on other anticoagulants dindevan, if you change your routine in your diet dramatically by eating foods high in vitimin K randomly it will decrease the effectivness of the warfarin just eat a litlle of everything and often and your dosage will remain constant. I love Blue stilton cheese and it contains an antibiotic it can make your blood less sticky or raise your INR, but eat it once a week and your meds stabilise, if you ate it once a month it would muck up your meds. the same goes for brocolli or spinage eat these things regularly and everything balences out, eat them once every month or two months then expect changes to your warfarin dose. its purely a matter of managing your diet thats all its not hard to do.
@@Mamaohhh04
Take NATTOkinase 👈🏿
@holyrunner100
Take NATTOKINASE. now!
Yes, I had a stroke and my doctor was open to alternatives such as MK7 to facilitate the excess calcium I have in my blood that causes clogged arteries and is assimilated to my bones where its needed. I also take D3. Good diet, low sugar and no gluten is antinflammatory. No medication will help much unless I take seriously in what I eat and don't eat! Exercise is very important too.
Are you also on blood thinners (anticoagulants)?
I think gluten is my culprit also lactoce free helps I also watch what I eat
I am a 64 y.o. athlete who still races bicycles who had incidences of Afib. My last 2 video describe what I did and how things were after my latest Afib incident.
My husband was out on Elequis for AFIB
He has bronchiactisis and during a cough he began coughing up massive amounts of blood landing him in icu
He nearly died got 3 bags of whole blood snd 2 platlets and antibiotics
Blood was all In his lungs
He has been taken off them
Permanently
That's awful!
I had internal bleeding on eliquis and twice needed blood transfusions. Idiot cardiologist wouldn't take me off eliquis. Took 2nd heart attack and bypass surgery plus a better cardiologist to get me off eliquis.
So I had a Stroke on 5-12-2022 and the reasons the docs believe was do to A-Fib which caused a Blood Clot that covered the entirety of my Right side of the brain. After having the clot removed on 5-13-2022 I was up and walking around, no cognizant impairment whatsoever. On 5-16-2022 I was able to walk out of the hospital on my own.
For the next month or so I was at home and put on Warfin, Atorvastatin and Diltiazem along with Vitamin D3. At know time prior did I have a History of High Cholesterol, High BP, or any Heart related issues. At the time of my stroke I was working a crazy amount of Hours and became dehydrated.
So I meet with my Cardiologist for the 1st time on 6-14-2022 he's amazed I'm not in a wheelchair or have some severe impairments. He can't believe how Fit I am for my age 55 5'9 a solid 195 and BMI 26. Well he immediately starts talking to me about Blood Thinners/Anticoagulants and how he has something much better for me than Warfin and all the Blood Exams ect.
Well after having been poked and blood drawn in the last month anything besides that sounded great. I was prescribed Pradaxa along with my other medications. Well first came the Sticker shock at the Pharmacy and from there the downhill cycle.
He never explained any of the possible side effects from the Pradaxa or the combination of the other meds I prescribed. So 30 to 45 days into taking all the meds I began to have these Hot Flashes with entire left side of my body feeling hot with tingling and some stiffness. I had know ideal where it was coming from cause I had never experienced anything like. My weight climbed, my cholesterol scores. According score and everything else went up.
My visit to my Primary care physician made things even worse because he said I was Diabetic with 1 A1c reading of 6.5. After being under his care for 5 years and never a score above 6.1 he said yep your now Diabetic. Well my mind went crazy. I've always been fit, lived a well balanced lifestyle with diet and exercise. No alcohol, tobacco or drug usage whatsoever. I said doc give 30 to 45 days to loose some weight increase the exercise and see what happens. Well down to 182lbs, BMI 24.2.
All of my recent test scores came back to below pre-stroke range. Have taken the Heary Stress test negative, no blocked Arteries, plaque build up, thyroid negative, A1c 6.0, Cholesterol Total 147 HDL 44 and Non-HDL 103 and BP 140/85 range.
No longer on the statin and beta blockers on the only constant has been me trying both Pradaxa and Eliquis with the same exact same side effects with stress level being elevated because I can't figure our why I feel like Crap. I just switched back to Warfin, Magnesium supplements and Vitamin D3. Hoping that this works much better than the other cocktail prescribed because can't take the heat and tingling along with feeling like my equilibrium is off.
Pradaxa has given me no some effects and my body very drug sensitive. So am relieved. No weight gain, energy same is good. I have afib well managed and also unstable angina. So high stroke risk which I will not risk.
Thanks Doc, another fantastic video presented in easy to understand terms....God bless you, sir!
Thank you, I'm 65 just started afib during covid. Don't want to be in anticoagulant but coming to terms with it
I have afib and refuse blood thinners. I have been taking baby aspirin (not regularly though) and will NOT take rat poison. (Cumadin)
I do too but won't take it!
I just got prescribed warfarin today why do you say it’s poison?
🐭
Your choice. Do u have any risk factors?
Strat O'Catster It is used in rat poison because the mechanism of action of the rat poison is to cause the blood to not coagulate and have the rats bleed to death internally. They do this by using considerably higher doses for the rats than in humans. Approximately 50% of tested lab rats die at a concentration of 3 mg/kg of warfarin (A Pesticide Information Project of Cooperative Extension Offices of Cornell University, Michigan State University, Oregon State University, and the University of California at Davis.). The average starting dose for an adult is 2-5 mg total which is approximately 1/60th the lethal dose assuming that humans and rats share the similar toxicological ratios based on weight (for the average human). If you take 60 times the recommended dose of any drug you are likely to die as a result of it. The reason that warfarin is used to kill rats is due to the fact that it is cheap to produce and will be lethal is a small enough concentration that the rat doesn't need to take in a lot of it in order to be lethal. The goal of western medicine is to keep people alive as long as ethically possible and even in countries where healthcare is substantially subsidized these medications are being prescribed at the expense of the health care system. It is frustrating to have people like you sharing your opinions which are not based on fact, evidence, or research in order to attempt to change other peoples opinion as to the benefits of the medications. Warfarin, like any drug does carry certain risks however there have been multiple studies that have proven with statistics and evidence that it is highly beneficial to patients with A-fib. As with any time people are placed on medications the reason behind it should be clear to the patient and they should understand the risks and benefits as discussed with their physician prior to starting them.
Thank you! I needed to hear this to calm my concerns.
This doctor is heavensent..I am so much thankful doctor!!
Thanks for the very clear and concise delivery. At 73 with A-Fib I’ve been recommended to take Edoxaban. Having two friends on anticoagulants that have had bleeds on the brain I am understandably apprehensive. I’ve considered paying for an ablation or even a LAAO rather than taking Edoxaban.
Your presentation has really helped and I think I’ll go to my GP and pick up the prescription 👍
Good job Dr. I would like to see more U.S. doctors seek out the causation of AFIB. The mp of the world depicts the U.S. as the center of the world's AFIB concentration. While there are many factors, much like diabetes is also centered in the U.S, we know that countries similar to the U.S. (none, really), there is an explanation for this. AFIB is also a $100 B business in the U.S.
There is a device made by Cardia(Omron) that can do an ECG & can be done at home. Please do a video on that as well. Once again thank you for all your good work and for simplifying medical jargon.
A week ago, I had afib. I was ushered to emergencies. After a few hours the cardiologist put me on a blood-thinner and a betablocker . Bloodthinner apixaban, two tablets a day and 1 tablet a day for the betablocker. My life is sedentary, 76 years old, overweight, not able to walk over 1 mile. I am depressed and I refuse antidepressants. Tkank you, Sir, for your excellent, informative videos.
Cool diamond ring Dr. G! And love your vids; newly diagnosed with Afib...learning all I can...
Having lost Uncle Victor to a cerebral hemorrhage some years ago (Uncle Victor was on Warfarin), I hesitate to take any anti-coagulant... and being a paroxysmal Afib sufferer, I have the luxury of NOT taking an anti-coagulant since I only suffer sustained episodes of Afib (over ten hours duration) once every three to five years. My heart goes out to those who deal with continuous Afib seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
You should consider a brain scan that will look at all the arteries of the brain and map any Aneurysms. With a family history, this might make your life a little less scary. While not all brain bleeds are from Aneurysms, some of the worst are. I lost my first wife to this and would give anything if i could go back in time and have her scanned.
Had a long spell over 10 hrs pulse at 200+, just would not stop. Had a trip in the Ambulance near the Hospital had a kerb mounting jolt to get past badly parked cars. It stopped my a fib immediately. The attendant and talked to me and kept me busy, mind off the pulse. Since it was the bump, I use some chest fist bumps whenever I get the feeling it’s starting. Take only a few supplements in a non routine. If I remember. Nothing habitual as I’m a self heal believer. Talk to your brain and it , to your DNA . Self activate DNA repair, but believe it or it’s not going to happen. The plascibo is you . Not as a prayer, an instruction. Near 86 yrs. still active, had a bad time on meds. Eat well the right stuff get if fresh from the garden.Take garlic olive oils turmeric, ginger , cinnamon oily fish all food for meds. Asprin if the pulse gets too slow 40s. Now and then.
@@digitalboomerĺ87
Very good video I have been on eliquis 5 mg for last 10 yrs I had a dvt pulmonary embolism and now I am very good health
Great video. My mom was told to take apixaban. We were against thw idea due to fear of bleeding. My mom had a TIA six months ago, she's diabetic and 70 years old. Her heart specialist diagnosed AFIB after my mom wore a heart monitor for two weeks and he was strongly advising her to start apixaban but we were worried. I have told her to begin the medicine thanks to your information from this video.
Same with my dad he had TIA refused blood thinner due to side effects unfortunately 6 months later he had a stroke
I just changed my cardiologist because of issue I had but you have explained it so nicely.it has cleared my mind THANKS
Why don’t Drs test the patients clotting factors before prescribing anticoagulants? I bleed and takes a while to stop.
A great video by a great doctor. Please do a video on Apple Watches for AFib.
I was put on Eloquis over my contesting it.... I did not want it or need it.... I got every one of the side effects but they would not wean me off it.... I took a month to wean myself....
I am finally getting my strength back and the fainting spells caused by it are nearly zero..... I have had friends who have fallen, hit their head and died from a brain bleed.... I told the doctors I was more afraid of a brain bleed than a stroke, as I had A Fib for more then 35 years and controlled it with natural blood thinners with no side effect, plus exercise etc....
No more painful panic attacks caused by these drugs either.... Yes, I may die from a hear attack or stroke anyways, but I will be 84 in a few weeks and have had a great life.... I do not want to go to the end in pain with fainting spells, weakness, instability in walking and the inability to swallow food.... plus a myriad of other side effects....
Never was on that one. Neither warfarin nor the pradaxa gave me side effects. I am usually very drug sensitive too. Only the med for afib when too high a dose gave me fainting spells. It was lowered and been fine since.
I'd prefer to have to take no drugs but do not want a stroke.
Thanks for the plain spoken explanation Sanjay, much appreciated.
A very informative video as always.
In addition I would love to hear also a little bit more about the real stroke risks (CHAD/ ATRIA Score and HASBLED) in relation to the real benefit in taking Anticoagulants.
Some authorities say anticoagulants are reducing the risk of clot forming up to 60+%, but we shouldn't forget that, if my theoretical stroke risk is somewhere around 0.2% per year, the risk reduces in the very best case for 0.12%.
So, what if people don't want to take these medication anyway or simply can not afford them (I heard approx. 500-700 $ a month in the US?), what is their option?
1200 USD for Eliquis. Had to go the Warfarin route for my mum. Medicare Part D sucks. Medicare A+B is great though along with a supplement.
Thank you for making AF clearer to understand
Very informative video as always, thank you Doc.
Thank you a million times for explaining the whole subject. I've only just been diagnosed with Afib, and am due for a consultation with a pharmacist regarding anti-coagulant meds. I'm 74, fortunate to breath on a daily basis, and, despite constant aches and pains, wish to stay around for a while longer. I can now, without trepidation, decide to go the anti-coagulant route.
FYI, no one, including the medical field really addresses compound risk from treatment such as blood thinner for afib. I was just taking Xarelto anticoagulant to reduce my risk of stroke due to hypertrophic cariomyopathy. What I was not told was that anticoagulants increased my risk of a brain bleed - subarachnoid hemorrage (SAH) from 1 in 10,000 in the total population to 1 in 100 - some studies say its even worse for warfarin. I have these references from the biomedical literature. As he does discuss SAH in the video, what Dr. York does not discuss is that stroke most often is not lethal, but subarachnoid hemorrage is! I was lucky did not die or have other morbidities from a recent subarachanoid hemorrage. Just finished two months of recovery. There are other risks too with anti-coagulants. You really need to weigh the reduction in risk to tht total increase in risk including compound risks (never combined in practice) and whether these are risks are for mortality or morbidity, and for that matter the severity of the morbidity. This will help consumers make better-informed decisions for their care.
Do you not take an anti-coagulant any longer?
Thanks..for the positive comments......doing the foods,herbs and etc.
Thank you for such a great review of this subject! I have P. A. fib and have been on apixaban, reluctantly, but you have helped reassure me and explain the options in a way I didn't grasp before.
Hate being on a blood thinner. Wearing a monitor and do not have many episodes of afib but it’s like sitting on a time bomb. Thank you doctor, you explain things so much better than my afib team.
@@marilynpieretti5886 Yeah, I agree about the necessity of having to take a blood thinner. But the risk of Stroke is just toooo high with Afib to consider Not taking it! Either way you are sitting on a potential time bomb. (Hopefully in the near future we will have better options available!!)