Coumadin

Just a quick question. Is it unusual to have a pacemaker implant and not be put on coumadin? I had my pacemaker and was not put on this drug but I was already on plavix because of an earlier stent placement. Other people that I know with pm's thinks it odd that I am not on coumadin. I am alittle concerned now..comments please.

3 Comments

pacer and coumadin

by golden_snitch - 2009-09-16 08:09:35

Hi!

No, not unusual at all. Coumadin is mostly for those who have atrial flutter or fibrillation or venous problems (for example when you had an embolism). It's not that a pacer implant is the reason for being put on coumadin. So unless you have what I mentioned above, there is no real reason to start coumadin.

Plavix is normal after a stent placement, so is aspirin. It is prescribed to reduce the risk of a blockage within the stent. I think today the strategy is that in the beginning most patients get Plavix and aspirin for a couple of months, and then only aspirin, but I'm not sure about this.

Best wishes,
Inga

NOT AT ALL

by pete - 2009-09-16 11:09:30

Not at all. I know 4 people within my group of friends who have pacemakers and none of them are on warfarin/coumadin. Most people dont take it because they cant get their INR stabilized etc. There are better drugs out there and some new ones on the way. I dont take it because I have a low platelet count anyway thank god. Anyway its a hateful drug and would try to keep off it anyway. The downside is worse than the upside in my opinion, but that I repeat but that is just my worthless opinion. I know pacemaker patients who have nearly died due to coumadin so there. Good luck Peter

Thanks!

by Irishone - 2009-09-16 11:09:59

Thanks for the quick reaponses. I feel much better now :). I agree with you about Coumadin Peter. My Aunt has to take it and she seems to be running to the doctor alot for check ups and has had to avoid alot of the seemingly healthy foods that she enjoyed in the past.
Thanks Again Inga and Peter!

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