New A-Fib Guidelines: Ditch the Aspirin for Stroke Prevention
“Many patients with atrial fibrillation may be taking aspirin because they think it is ‘good for their health,’ said Dr T Jared Bunch of Intermountain Medical Center, Murray, UT. “But if they are not taking it for a prescribed reason (because they have CAD or a stent), they should stop taking aspirin because it adds risk over time.”
As I reported in my 2015 AF Symposium report:
Aspirin is no longer recommended as first-line therapy to prevent A-Fib stroke.
It’s amazing how many of us have been convinced to take a baby aspirin daily to improve heart health and to prevent a stroke (myself included).
We now know we are risking tearing up our stomach with GI bleeds and developing a hemorrhagic stroke.
It’s all too easy to take an aspirin―we don’t need a prescription to get it. But taking an aspirin isn’t like taking a vitamin. Aspirin is a pharmaceutical drug.

photo by holohololand
Discuss Aspirin Therapy With Your Doctor: You should discuss aspirin therapy with your doctor just as you do for any other (by prescription) blood thinner. You might want to take along a copy my AF Symposium report, AHA/ACC/HRS Treatment Guideline Changes.
Note: Suddenly stopping daily aspirin therapy could have a rebound effect that may trigger a blood clot. If you have been taking daily aspirin therapy and want to stop, it’s important to talk to your doctor before making any changes.