Exercise and INR

[Mileena46]

OK, this week I started a medium type exercise program. This is the first since my surgery. As soon as it warms some I plan on picking up my walking time a great deal. What exactly should I expect this to do to my INR? I was at 3.4 last week and started the exercise after the test.

I have been steady for the last few weeks so my doctor has put me back on testing once a month, I hate that because it always makes me nervous! I do have a standing order for test at the local hospital that I will probably use at 2 weeks just because.......

Any ideas on what the exercise will do to my INR??

Mileena

 

[Philip B]

Exercise

Exercise

What does your crystal ball tell you? You might need one to get a good guess answer to your question.

Like a lot of things related to INR, exercise affects INR differently for different folks. Mine seems to fluctuate with exercise. When I exercise regularly my metabolic rate speeds up and I have to take more coumadin to keep myself within range...but that's how my body reacts. Others may report different experiences.

Opinions may vary, but I think the best way to monitor how your body is reacting to exercise is to check your INR more frequently when you engage in your exercise program.

-Philip

 

[Cris N]

I think the majority of people see the same effect that Philip does. More exercise, lower INR - think of it this way... the more you exercise, the more your blood travels throughout your body and the warfarin gets used up faster.

 

[catwoman]

Exercise drops the INR -- for most people. A few people say their INR goes up.

You'll find out soon enough. I'd test about 5-7 days after starting a regular, consistent exercise program.

 

[ctyguy]

Just like everything else with Coumadin the key is consistency. Your INR will probably drop a bit due to exercise and you will need to adjust your dose some accordingly. I've increased my exercise levels recently and my diet has also gotten better. In turn I am probably going to need to adjust my coumadin a bit.

My doc told me that if Im gonna run 3 times a week then try to make sure to run 3 times a week. Same goes for diet. You dose the lifestyle, just try to be consistent with it.

 

[Mileena46]

Thanks Folks! As always you all are the best!!

Mileena

 

[Ross]

Excercise is like drinking alcohol. For some, it goes down, for some it stays steady, for others, it rises. All you can do is test and see where you are on the crazy train.

 

[catwoman]

Mileena:

One point: If you combine the increase in exercise with a decrease in fat intake, you'll need to watch your INR for awhile until it stabilizes.

Fat contains vitamin K. If you reduce your fat intake, your INR should increase, all other things equal.
Exercises speeds metabolism of warfarin, which should decrease your INR.

People frequently combine an increase in exercise with a decrease in dietary fat.

 

[MarkU]

Excercise is like drinking alcohol. For some, it goes down, for some it stays steady, for others, it rises. All you can do is test and see where you are on the crazy train.

I both exercise and drink alcohol and have never been able to figure out any direct correlation to my INR.

I do notice a direct relationship between white wine and headaches, that's why I try to stick to red wine.

Mark