Coumadin/Headaches

[loretta]

I was wondering if any one has a side effect of headaches when their INR level is high like 3.7 etc?
Also, had my INR at the Dr. office today & it was 3.5, came home just to see if my Inratio was close to the same # (with in half hour time ( at home it was 2.9. Doctor uses Coag u chek machine .
Does that seem like a big difference? Thank You Loretta

 

[Bina]

Sometimes I have felt a small pinch or twinge in the blood vessels on the side of my temples. A Nurse had said that it could be small blood vessels adjusting, and be related to coumadin or BP meds. Don't bother too much about it; 3.7 is not high at all.
I think your doctor may be using the older Coaguchek S machine, my new Coaguchek XS test results are the same as my lab.

 

[Blanche]

Loretta:
The American Heart Association recommends the range for a person with a mechanical mitral valve of INR=2.5 to 3.5. With an INR result of 3.5, you are on the top end of your range. I wouldn't make any changes or worry.

Your INR fluctuates all the time. As long as you are in range, you should be OK.

Regards,
Blanche

 

[Lisa in Katy]

I often have an INR in the 3-4 range, and I've never noticed an attached headache. If your surgery was recent, it could be leftover effects of the anesthesia.

 

[Karlynn]

Your INR isn't high. It's also within the scope of possibility that our INR could have tested at 2.9 a half-hour later on the dr's machine. If you're concerned if your INRatio is testing accurately, test someone not on warfarin. They should have an INR of .8-1.2.

 

[Ambience]

Sometimes I have felt a small pinch or twinge in the blood vessels on the side of my temples.

I've felt the same, I sometimes worry if it is a bulging vein about to pop or something. Good to know someone else feels them too.