HEALTH + WELLNESS
CAN WE STOP THE
ANTICOAGULANTS? (BLOOD THINNERS)
story by Dr. Prabal Guha, McLeod Electrophysiologist , McLeod Cardiology Associates
WHAT IS ATRIAL FIBRILLATION?
Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition where the upper chamber of the heart beats irregularly. This can cause blood to pool and form clots in an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage. If a blood clot does form, it can travel through an artery to the brain and cause a stroke.
taking longer than normal to stop bleeding, it is usually easily treated. But, in some cases, bleeding can be quite serious and require hospitalization.
People with untreated atrial fibrillation may be at greater risk for stroke than people with normal heart rhythms. In atrial fibrillation, the left atrial appendage, a small pouch located on the top of the heart, is believed to be the source of most stroke-causing blood clots. Anyone can have a stroke no matter what age, race or gender. The chances of stroke increase with the following risk factors: • Atrial Fibrillation • Coronary Artery Disease WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device
• Diabetes • High Blood Pressure • High Cholesterol
WATCHMAN
Medications like anticoagulants also known as blood thinners can reduce the risk of blood clots that could lead to stroke. Warfarin is an example of a blood thinning medication that keeps the blood from sticking together and forming clots. There are several newer drugs like Dabigatran, Apixiban and Rivaroxaban, which help to reduce the risk of stroke in some groups of patients with atrial fibrillation.
Patients who have atrial fibrillation without significant heart valve disease, and who are on anticoagulant medications, may be a candidate for a device available at the McLeod Heart and Vascular Institute called the WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device. The WATCHMAN, about the size of a quarter, is implanted at the opening of the left atrial appendage to prevent blood clots from entering the blood stream and potentially causing a stroke. The device is a one-time implant that does not need to be replaced.
Anticoagulants work well for many patients; however, there are reasons why some patients do not take blood thinners. While they prevent blood clots, anticoagulants can also increase the risk of bleeding problems. When a bleeding event occurs, like a cut
By closing off the left atrial appendage, the source of more than 90 percent of stroke-causing blood clots, the risk of stroke may be reduced and over time patients may be weaned off their blood thinning medications.
HOW CAN YOU REDUCE YOUR RISK OF STROKE?
38
VIPMagSC.com
May 2021
