CHF - Watchman

What the Watchman Device Means for You

The Watchman is a small implant placed in the left atrial appendage (LAA) of your heart. It’s designed for people with AFib who are at risk of stroke but can’t (or shouldn’t) take long-term blood thinners like warfarin or Eliquis.

So, with the Watchman:

• Your stroke risk is lowered, even if you're not on a blood thinner.
• You're likely being followed for AFib and heart failure in a well-coordinated way.
• It suggests your doctors are proactively managing your long-term risk, which is excellent.

What Else Is Important for You to Know and Do

Here are some key areas of focus beyond the device itself:

1. Heart Function & CHF Monitoring

Even with a Watchman, CHF can still progress silently. So:

• Keep an eye on daily weights
• Watch for increasing leg swelling or shortness of breath
• Ask about your most recent echocardiogram results
• Know your ejection fraction

2. AFib Monitoring

The Watchman doesn’t control the rhythm or rate of AFib.

• Ask if your heart rate and rhythm are well controlled
• Consider a Holter monitor or EKG check if you feel fluttery, tired, or short of breath

3. Sodium and Fluid Intake

CHF is best managed by controlling fluid buildup:

• Ask your doctor what your daily sodium goal should be
• Ask if you should be on fluid restriction (common range: 1.5–2 L/day)
• Take Lasix in the morning, and monitor potassium levels

4. Sleep Apnea

You already use CPAP, which is excellent.

• Make sure your machine is being downloaded or monitored for effectiveness (most CPAPs now track this)
• Untreated or improperly set CPAP can worsen both CHF and AFib

5. Medication Check

Even with a Watchman and Lasix, it's good to review:

• Are you on a beta-blocker? (e.g., metoprolol)
• Are you on an ACE inhibitor, ARB, or ARNI? (helps heart muscle function)
• Are you taking an SGLT2 inhibitor? (newer meds shown to benefit heart failure)
  

Updated Questions to Ask Your Cardiologist

You can add these to the previous list:

For Watchman Follow-up

1. Is the Watchman device sealed properly on my most recent imaging?
2. Do I still need any antiplatelet medications, and for how long?
3. Should I continue any form of blood thinner or aspirin?

For Overall Management

4. Is my AFib rhythm and rate under control?
5. How often should I have follow-up imaging or labs with my current conditions?
6. Am I on the right medications for long-term heart protection and quality of life?