I might need a pacemaker, they say that I have irregular heart rate. Will I be taking coumadin?

 

 

You will need to ask your dr., but unless you have another problem other than irregular heart rate, probably not. Coumadin is taken to thin the blood, usually if you have blood clots or have had a heart attack or blockages. My dad has been taking it since bypass surgery.

 

You better ask your doctor on this.

There are different types of irregular heart beat. For example, one that comes to mind is A-Fib. While A-Fib is a very rapid heart beat, it is still an irregular heart beat as it is not common and pacemakers are occasionally used to treat the after effects of A-Fib. When a person is getting over an A-Fib episode the heart rate can drop to a very low rate and the pacemaker prevents it from going too low. Also during the low heart rate period blood clots can form so coumadin is sometimes prescribed in this situation.

All of this is not to say you have any of these problems or that A-Fib is the reason you are getting a pacemaker. It is just given to show why you need to get your answer from your doctor. He/she knows why you are getting a pacemaker and if any meds will be required.

Smitty

 

The pacemaker by itself is not a reason to take coumadin. However, there are some heart conditions where they often prescribe it with or without a pacer.

frank