Dear doctor. Roach: I am a 83 -year -old man. Except for blood pressure drugs, there was no health problems related to heart. Earlier this year, I experienced about six fast and irregular heartbeats. After seeing a heart specialist, I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. I have been prescribed Eliquis and Amiodarone.
After a little research, I am very reluctant to start this medicine. The serious side effects that could lead to death were afraid of me. My question is: I’m stupid about not taking this medicine, and is there an alternative treatment for my condition? -Tb
Answer: I fully understand why you are worried about taking very powerful medicines such as Apixaban (Eliquis) and Amiodarone. Even if you use it properly, this medicine is dangerous. Bleeding is the main risk of Eliquis, and Amiodarone can cause toxic to the lungs, thyroids, liver and eyes. Paradoxically, it can cause rhythm disorders.
The reason you have to reconsider is that alternatives (do nothing) are worse. The risk of thrombosis, temporary ischemic attacks or stroke is about 5%annually. If you have seen a friend or family after a serious stroke, I think you want to do what you can do to prevent one.
Many studies have shown that these pharmaceuticals are dangerous, but these risks are much lower than the risk of strokes, with untouched AFIB. A large -scale study that follows people with AFIB shows that there is a much worse event that occurs from not treated due to bad effects due to drugs.
Although there is an alternative to Amiodarone, pharmaceuticals similar to Eliquis are probably best suited to prevent stroke. Amiodarone is used to stabilize the normal rhythm of the heart, but the heart specialist can take another approach using different and safe drugs that maintain heart rate in a safe area.
It’s a good idea to go back to your heart specialist and tell me why you were scared. They can help to design therapy to protect you from blood clots and strokes while minimizing the risk of side effects of drugs.
Dear doctor. Roach: I am a 68 -year -old woman and does not use prescription drugs. I lift the heavy weight three times a week and walk 2 miles every day. I was wondering what your thoughts are about creating creatine supplements for seniors. Everything I read says that it helps to slow down as old as age. -Jy
Answer: Creatine is a supplement that is commonly used to create muscles. The body of evidence for the elderly is strengthening to help creatine slow down the loss of muscles and build muscles with exercise. This can help to increase power and reduce falls.
Resistance training is important for the elderly, but especially for older women, the fracture is reduced because it includes not only the decrease in the risk of falls but also the improvement of bone intensity. I don’t recommend Creatine as a common, but it’s strong enough for the elderly to improve muscle strength and recommend that of the elderly.
The side effects have been relatively small, but have been reported in water, temporary weight gain, joint mobility reduction, muscle spasms and nausea. One of the usual doses is 3 grams a day, but people with kidney disease may need less and need to check with doctors.
Dr. Roach regrets that he cannot answer individual letters, but will be included in the column whenever possible. The reader can send an e -mail by email. Toyourgoodhealth@med.cornell.edu Or send an e -mail to 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803.
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