I was found during annual pacemaker check to have had 5 afib episodes over 12 months. length range 3 mins to 35 mins. it has been suggested u take pradaxa. i am scared it may cause brain bleeds. do you think i should take it? i am 75?

Your prescribing physician/cardiologist is best prepared to determine what medications are needed to keep you in optimum health. Although there are risks to taking any medication, the benefits far outweigh them.

There are now clear algorithms in determining benefits/risk ratio of oral anticoagulants for patients with atrial fibrillation. Among the most common CHADS to determine if anticoagulation would be recommended and HAS- BLED for risk of bleeding. Your cardiologist would be best to go over pros and cons with specific numbers and in proper clinical context so that a shared sound decision is made.