Coumadin and PM

Does one have to take Coumadin forever because of a PM implant?

Is there an increased chance of blood clot with a PM?

thanks

Ken

10 Comments

Coumadin

by GrandmaD - 2008-08-01 04:08:39

I don't know of that drug specifically, but depending on circumstances ( and doctors writ) it is not always so.
Having a PM does not aoutomatically mean meds, as some of us are lucky enough to know.

Good Luck
DEB

Blood Thinner

by BOB 1 - 2008-08-01 05:08:18


Ken,

I was required to take coumadin for 3 months after I got my pacemaker. As with any surgery when the blood circulatory system is involved, I think a blood thinner is almost always given as a precaution. But I know of no reason having pacemaker would increase the risk of a pacemaker after the first few months.

Bob

Hi .....

by Bionic Beat - 2008-08-01 06:08:08

Depends why you have a pacemaker.

If you have Atrial Fibrillation, you *should* be on Coumadin for the rest of your life. (some folks cannot tolerate it and have another type of blood thinner)

AFib can lead to strokes and the Coumadin helps to avoid a stroke.

I think some other cardiac issues are also a reason for being on Coumadin, either long or short term.


Bionic Beat

Pacemaker and Coumadin.

by Stepford_Wife - 2008-08-01 06:08:34

I take coumadin, I have been taking it for the past 20 years, because I have rheumatic heart disease, with a damaged mitral valve, and a leaky aortic valve.
I also started to have periods of A-Fib, which progressively became worse, then became so out of control that my last recourse was a pacemaker implantation.
With any implant, there is a need for some sort of blood thinner, to avoid blood clots from forming around the implant. Especially right after surgery.
As far as the need to take coumadin or any other blood thinner for the rest of your natural life, that's a question only your doctor can answer, since as you can see from my condition, every one's problems are different.
I found this report, that might help to clarify things .

~ Dominique ~

Most cases of DVT ( Deep Vein Thrombosis ) or blood clots, affect the legs, but DVT in the upper body is becoming more commonly recognized. Some factors that increase your chances of developing DVT in the upper body include:

* Having a long, thin flexible tube called a catheter inserted in your arm vein. Catheters can irritate your vein wall and cause clots to form
* Having a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD,) for the same reason
* Having cancer near a vein
* Performing vigorous repetitive activities with your arms. This type of DVT is rare and occurs mostly in athletes such as weight lifters, swimmers, and baseball pitchers

Coumadin & Pacemakers

by tinkerbell13 - 2008-08-01 07:08:31

I had a pacemaker implanted about three weeks ago and this past week my arm began to swell and become painful. So I went in to see what was going on, I found out I had a blood clot in my left arm. I was just put on Coumadin today. My cardiologist explained because the leads have to go to the arm and the circulatory system involved that blood clots are common, about 10% after a pacemaker is implanted. I will be on Coumadin for 3 to 6 months now. Hope this helps.

Coumadin

by MHCHAMPION - 2008-08-01 10:08:18

I took it for only a few month after my PM was installed. I expect that every patient and his/her case is different.
Keep on Pacing,
Margaret

Blood Thinners

by candi51 - 2008-08-01 10:08:37

I just take a baby aspirin each day (81mg) as directed by my Dr. I also read that Flaxseed Oil is a natural thinner as well so I take one liqui-gel caplet of that each day as well.
I guess it just depends on what your Dr thinks is best for you.
:-)
Candi

Coumadin and PM

by maryanne - 2008-08-02 04:08:11

I would have to echo what Frank said. You are most probably on coumadin for your underlying heart condition and not because of the PM. I have had a PM for 24 years and I have never been on coumadin. Coumadin is generally used for people who have Atrial Fib to prevent clots from forming. I have not heard of it being used prophylactically for the PM.

Need for thinners

by ElectricFrank - 2008-08-02 12:08:59

I've had my pacer for 3 1/2 years now and never have taken any thinners. I suspect it has more to do with medical conditions rather than the pacemaker itself. I did ask the cardiologist about clots when I had the implant done and he said that the leads quickly become part of the wall of the vein and rarely pose a problem.

frank

Coumadin and PM

by mrag - 2008-08-03 12:08:39

According to my pharmacist, a soldier in WW1 (?) tried to commit suicide by overdosing on rat poison. It didn't work, but the doctors found his blood was noticeably 'thinner." Alas, coumadin, an anti coagulant, was "discovered."

That has nothing to do with anything, but I thought it an interesting story.

The answer to your main question is some people, with and without PM's, take coumadin forever. Your particular situation will determine the length of time although, guess wise, probably think long term. Effect wise, it seems fine although forget contact sports, bruising can look nasty. Small cuts, scrapes have not been a problem for me. Be happy, it is a cheap generic. I just got a stent and a year's prescription for Plavix. Current price for that $160 a month! Not a good number if you're on Medicare with Lipitor, etc. Just about any operation increases the chance of a clot. Should not be a cause for concern with getting a PM.

You know you're wired when...

Your favorite poem is “Ode to a Cardiac Node”.

Member Quotes

I wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for pacemakers. I've had mine for 35+ years. I was fainting all of the time and had flat-lined also. I feel very blessed to live in this time of technology.