Pacemaker and blood thinner

Hello I have had a pacemaker since May of last year 2016.  I just got diagnosed with A Fib and started on the blood thinner Eliquis. 

Is anyone aware that the pacemaker settings may need to be changed due to the blood thinner medication?  

Thanks - I am a new member.

2 Comments

Not Related

by Artist - 2017-02-07 09:11:11

Anticoagulents like Eliquis are prescribed because AFIB increases the risk of having a stroke.  The rapid heart movements experienced during AFIB episodes churn the blood and can produce dangerous blood clots.  Eliquis is prescribed to lower that risk.  AFIB is a problem with the electrical signals sent to the heart that regulate your heart beat.  Normally beta blocker medications are also prescribed to control afib. There is no relationship between taking anticoagulents and pacemaker adjustments. Welcome to the PM club.  You have come to a good place for information and support.

Blood Thinners

by gleesue - 2017-02-07 12:34:51

When you are is A-fib your hart kind of quivers. As a result that atrium does not pump or evacuate all the blood from the atrium when it beats. The blood can pool in the left atrial appendage. This is where about 90% of the blod clots develop. A clot can break off and flow to the brain to cause a stroke.

Blood thinners prevent the clots from develpoing.

Jerry

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