Resolved question:
Got a question, I was diagnosed with A-Fib 3 years ago, the doctor also said I had congestive heart failure. I have been taking digoxin, diltazium, carvedilol, plus warfarin and a low dose aspirin everyday for the last 3 years.
Recently I have been able to see another doctor from the University of Michigan who wants me to stop taking the digoxin, and the carvedilol. He claims I do no thave congestive heart failure, and my EF is 58%.
I am very excited to get off these meds if possible, but I am also weary of stopping . Need another opinion...
I still have A-Fib currently...
Thanks
Vince
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Cardiologist
Hello
Thank you for your query at doctorspring.com
Do you have a history of coronary artery disease?
If yes then carvedilol is a good drug for you.
Also it can be beneficial in hypertension as well if you have it.
Carvedilol is beneficial in atrial fibrillation for rate control. AF patients tend to have fast heart rates and to control it carvedilol may be beneficial.
Digoxin is beneficial again for heart rate control but only in patients who have reduced LV ejection fraction. Now the question is whether your LVEF of 58 percent is reliable. Because one physician claims it to be reduced by saying it is reduced and the other one says it is normal. If normal digoxin may be stopped. You may get your 2D echo from a third person so as to confirm the LVEF.
In any case warfarin has to continue. If you dony have low EF diabetes past stroke or hypertension aspirin may be omitted.
Regards
Dr Vivek Mahajan