How High is too High?

[Mike]

I'm still new to this coumadin thing. I've had two St. Jude valves since Christmas Eve 2004 and it has gone well. While I think I know where too low is and its dangers, I'm not sure I know where too high is and what all that means. My dr. says my target should be 2.5 to 3.5. Yesterday I tested at 2.7 and was very pleased. Can you give me some help understanding the upper limits?

BTW thanks for all you help. I've learned a lot from reading the many posts.

Mike Clayton
Rome, NY

 

[Guest]

There was recently a case report of a guy who tried to commit suicide with D-Con. He get his INR up to about 400 and didn't die.

The INR is a lot like the speed that a car is moving. It is not only how high you go but how long you stay up there. It is uncommon to have a serious bleed at an INR less than 8 when you are checked about once a month. It is rare to have a serious bleed at an INR under 5. The guidelines have a large safety net for most people.

Just like in a car it is possible to have a bad wreck when you are doing under the speed limit but it greatly reduces the odds to be in range.