Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular heart rhythm that makes it easier for blood clots to form inside the heart. If a clot travels to the brain, it can cause a serious or even life-threatening stroke.
That’s why many patients with AFib are prescribed blood thinners (anticoagulants) such as warfarin, apixaban, or rivaroxaban. These medications reduce the blood’s ability to clot, significantly lowering stroke risk.
However, like most treatments, they come with benefits and risks, and they may not be the right choice for everyone.
At Premier Cardiology Consultants in New York, part of our commitment to your health is offering the best treatment options available for conditions like AFib. Our team is happy to discuss blood thinners, their risks and benefits, and an advanced therapy (the Watchman™ procedure) that may offer better results in your case.
Blood thinners are highly effective in preventing strokes in AFib patients. Without treatment, people with AFib are much more likely to suffer a stroke compared to those with a normal heart rhythm. Anticoagulants can significantly reduce that risk.
However, blood thinners also increase the chance of bleeding. For some patients, this can mean frequent nosebleeds, easy bruising, or gastrointestinal bleeding. In rare but severe cases, they can cause brain bleeds.
Because of this, we carefully weigh a patient’s stroke risk against their bleeding risk before recommending long-term blood thinner use.
Not everyone can safely take anticoagulants. For instance, individuals with a history of a bleeding disorder, frequent falls, or certain medical conditions may be poor candidates.
Others may struggle with the cost of newer medications or the regular blood monitoring required for older medicines. If you’re taking warfarin, for instance, you may require weekly to monthly lab work.
The good news? Medical technology has advanced, and there are now alternatives to blood thinners for stroke prevention in AFib patients. One we favor is the Watchman procedure.
The Watchman device is a small, umbrella-shaped implant designed to close off the left atrial appendage (LAA). This small pouch in the heart is where more than 90% of AFib-related clots form.
By sealing this area, the Watchman device reduces the risk of clots escaping into your bloodstream and causing a stroke.
Here’s how the procedure works:
We insert the device through a catheter in a vein in your groin and use advanced imaging technology to guide it into your heart.
Once in place, the Watchman opens like a tiny parachute and permanently seals off the LAA.
You’ll be monitored carefully following the procedure, but most patients go home the next day and resume normal activities soon after.
You typically remain on blood thinners for about 45 days after the procedure. Once the heart tissue grows over the device, most individuals can stop anticoagulants entirely.
Clinical studies show the Watchman device can provide stroke protection that’s comparable to blood thinners, but without the long-term bleeding risks.
For many AFib patients, blood thinners remain a safe and effective way to lower stroke risk. But for those who cannot tolerate them, the Watchman procedure offers a life-changing alternative.
Whether you continue with blood thinners or consider a procedure like the Watchman depends on your individual health profile. Factors such as age, bleeding history, lifestyle, and personal preferences all play a role.
If you’re living with AFib, the most crucial step is having an open conversation with your cardiologist. Together, we can weigh the pros and cons and decide on the best stroke prevention strategy for your situation.
Call Premier Cardiology Consultants today to schedule an evaluation.
