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Blood Thinner Myths Debunked by Healthcare Monitor Guide to AFIB
Every Atrial Fibrillation patient has to deal with the increased risk of clots and stroke and that often includes taking a blood thinner or anticoagulant.
At my doctor’s office I came across one of those “free take home copy” publications about Atrial Fibrillation. Healthcare Monitor Guide to Living with AFib 2018 had an interesting sidebar with a few myths and truths about blood thinners. I’d like to share a few misconceptions they list:
Guide to Living with AFib 2018
• “I’m afraid of shaving because I hear it’ll take forever to stop bleeding.”
• “Blood thinners will make me feel tired.”
• “It seems I bruise much more easily now-and that can’t be good.”
Do any of these ring a bell with you? Are you concerned with the same issues? Healthcare Monitor debunks these as myths and explains way.
Blood Thinner Myths Debunked
“I’m afraid of shaving because I heart it’ll take forever to stop bleeding…If bleeding while shaving is a problem, consider using an electric shaver. And remember: Even if you seem to bleed more easily now, suffering a stroke could cost you your life.
Blood thinners will make me feel tired. There’s no evidence that blood thinners cause or worsen fatigue. In fact, fatigue has not been identified as a problem in numerous studies done in thousands of patients. Of course, several things can effect your energy levels, including other medications you’re taking and lack of sleep. If you’re feeling more exhausted than usual, bring it up with your doctor.
It seems I bruise much more easily now-and that can’t be good. It’s true that bruising may be somewhat increased while you’re on a blood thinner. Although this can be a nuisance, it is important to remember that you are taking this medication to lower the risk of stroke. So the trade-off—accepting a slight increase in bruising—is worth the protection from dangerous clots.”
An Alternative to Blood Thinners
Catheter placing Watchman in LAA
But blood thinners are not like taking vitamins. They have their own set of risks and side effects. However, preventing a stroke is for most people a welcome trade-off for any bad effects of anticoagulants.
If you can’t or don’t want to take blood thinners, an option is to have a device installed to close off the Left Atrial Appendage. The LAA is a small pocket of heart tissue located above the left atrium where 90%-95% of A-fib strokes originate.
To learn more see my articles: Watchman: the Alternative to Blood Thinners or LAA Occlusion for A-Fib Patients: The Lariat II Versus the Watchman Device.
Or watch the 3:28 min. video: The Watchman Device: Closure of the Left Atrial Appendage.
