Because of an irregular heartbeat, I used an anticoagulant (Xarelto) for years. After a check, all results were good and I was allowed to stop. Sometimes I still have an attack of atrial fibrillation. Then, on the advice of the cardiologist, I take flecainide. I get nothing else. Is this sensible at my age (78 years)?
Joris Bartstra, journalist with a medical degree.
In atrial fibrillation, the heartbeat is irregular. The main risk is that the atria of the heart are not emptied in an orderly manner. Blood can then stagnate in a ‘corner’ and clots can form. These can be carried along with the bloodstream at any time and cause a stroke. People with atrial fibrillation are therefore given a clotting inhibitor. If the attacks of atrial fibrillation are short, the chance of clots is small. Taking an anticoagulant also has disadvantages. You may bleed more easily and more severely. It is therefore nice that you no longer have to take this medicine. It is important that the periods of an irregular pulse are short. Flecainide makes the heartbeat regular again. So you need to check if the flecainide is doing its job. If the pulse does not become regular within a few hours, it is better to call the doctor.
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