Stopping Eliquis After Successful Ablation

I’m 10 weeks post ablation and thus far I’ve had no arrhythmias that I’m aware of. I always felt the AFib when I’d go into it. I just read about a UPenn study where it was apparently shown it was safe to go off blood thinners after successful ablations and there were no symptoms of arrhythmias over time. But it’s one study. What is the general advice here? I understand if you have a Chad score of 2 or higher blood thinners are recommended the remainder of your life???

The general advice is always to keep on the good side, and probably the safe side, of your prescribing authority. That person, hopefully, is up to date, both about your circumstances (congrats!) and about the latest useful science (not just one or two studies....the College would have to endorse the changes in protocol, and maybe his/her insurers as well). So, put that question to the EP//cardio and see what they say.

Personally, I would go off it in a heartbeat if I got a thumb up from my EP. Note that this assumes there are no other comorbidities that keep your CHA2DS2-VASc score above 2.

After my first ablation, I went 13 years without a blood thinner. Then afib came back and a second ablation, then off blood thinners after a month or so.

THEN a bilateral pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs), but no source could be found. So now, even though my afib isn't happening, I am on Eliquis for life at my Dr's recommendation. I work out often and there are a couple of acquaintances that I frequently see in the fitness center, both have had strokes and it's clear to me that a stroke is something must avoid, regardless of the cost of Eliquis and possible bleeding issues. My activities haven't changed - golf, windsurfing, skiing, hiking, weights, swimming, scuba diving...........



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/12/2025 02:20PM by Ken.

Thanks for the input. I will discuss my options with my EP at my 90 day appointment and see what he thinks.

I agree. Stroke avoidance is a real issue. I would be surprised if there is a definitive study anytime soon that says you are 100% safe stopping after successful ablation. Most of what I’ve read is that while encouraging more long term studies are needed. My cardiologist said the one thing they don’t ever want to do is tell someone it’s ok to stop thinners and then have them stroke. I just started Eliquis and he said to keep up with all of my activities—snowboarding, kitesurfing.

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cjkdm
I just started Eliquis and he said to keep up with all of my activities—snowboarding, kitesurfing.

I wish more people would listen to their doctors about this. The bleed risks of anticoagulants are hugely overblown in people's minds. I see this huge fear of them constantly and it's totally unwarranted.