INR Ranges (IMHO)

[Cooker]

We have had several posts about INR being 2.2, 3.4, 4.4 etc ... you get the picture ... I wish I could remember who replied to my post some years back about the same concerns / worries but it was one of the old timers who has much knowledge ... he said, “as long as he was between 2 and 5 he was Happy” ... this statement in my opinion is true and changed the way I look at my INR and my life on ATC ... I believe the tolerance range is wide ... as long as I am not below 2 or over 5 all should be well and can live life with out fretting over INR ... I have made the statement that I am always in range, and I am ... but that may mean 2.5, 3.7, 4.2 .... if you are shooting to stay at 2.5 or 3.0 and obsesses about 2.7 or 3.3 you will drive yourself crazy for no reason ... don’t go too low or too high is the name of the game, for me ....

 

[ALCapshaw2]

While most people do not have a bleeding issue at an INR of 5.0, I suspect most Doctors would be happier to see their patients under 4.0 so I would be more inclined to say that 2.0 to 4.0 is *usually* considered to be a Safe Range for Mechanical Valves in the Aortic Position.

For Mitral Valves, or double Valves, or patients with other risk factors for Stroke (TIA's etc.), I'm thinking 2.5 to 4.0 would be a better range.

And YES, I know some Doc's like to 'try' to maintain a tighter range (which probably drives their patients NUTS).

'AL C'

 

[catwoman]

My new cardio has suggested I aim at the upper end of the suggested MV range -- 3.0-3.5. He knows I home-test and adjust my own dosage. His practice is very large & has a Coumadin clinic. I believe I've seen it listed at the Anticoagulation Forum's website. Am hoping that means someone there is certified by the ACF.

But I agree -- too many people get hung up and freak out when their INR is 3.7 and the range is 2.5-3.5. I probably would have in the early days post-op -- but that was before I discovered this website and got a Ph.D. in ACT and being assertive!

 

[dick0236]

My given range is 2.5-3.5. I am of the school that is comfortable with 2 to 4. So long as I stay within these limits I have little concern, although I will make small dosing/diet/activity adjustments if I get close to these limits.

My experience, after many years on Warfarin, is that it is impossible for me to stay on a specific number, or within a tight range, and it is OK for my numbers to fluctuate from 2.6 to 3.6 to 3.1 to 2.8 etc. Fortunately, my physician recognises that a tight INR range is impossible to maintain and he is comfortable with a broader range.

 

[Bina]

My range is 2.5---3.5 and I find that quite easy to maintain.
A few weeks of higher readings (4.0) don't bother me at all,
but I would be quick to adjust for an INR of 2.3 so that I don't fall into the "danger" zone.

 

[olefin]

My first cardiologist wanted 2.5 to 4.5. At that time Coumadin (DuPont) instructions for a aorta mechanical valve was 2.5 to 3.5. Later moved out of state, my new cardiologist though that was way high so from day one we didn't agree. My INR has always bounced around but I'm happy if it's 2.5 to 4.0. Although it has been over 6 several times and down once to 1.9.