I don't understand the 'bleeding events' from long term usage. If you keep your INR in range (I suggest 3+/- .5), you shouldn't have bleeding issues (for small cuts, you probably won't even detect much difference from what it would be if you weren't on an anticoagulant).
The On-X valve was marketed as not requiring warfarin - but there are papers and other materials on this site showing how a target of 1.5 - 2.0 is a mistake. If I had an On-X, I'd ignore the purported benefits and STILL shoot for around 2.5. My life wouldn't be any different with the slightly higher INR, but I'd be protected from clots forming on the valve and, possibly, breaking off and going to the brain or lungs and creating REAL problems.
1.8 for an aortic valve is TOO DAMNED LOW. A decade ago, I trusted my INR to a meter (since removed by the FDA) that was showing me a 2.6. When I had a stroke, the hospital tested my INR and it came out at 1.7. I would NOT be AT ALL comfortable with an INR below 2 for more than a few days.
I'm much more comfortable with an INR of at least 2.5. I test weekly.
The On-X valve was marketed as not requiring warfarin - but there are papers and other materials on this site showing how a target of 1.5 - 2.0 is a mistake. If I had an On-X, I'd ignore the purported benefits and STILL shoot for around 2.5. My life wouldn't be any different with the slightly higher INR, but I'd be protected from clots forming on the valve and, possibly, breaking off and going to the brain or lungs and creating REAL problems.
1.8 for an aortic valve is TOO DAMNED LOW. A decade ago, I trusted my INR to a meter (since removed by the FDA) that was showing me a 2.6. When I had a stroke, the hospital tested my INR and it came out at 1.7. I would NOT be AT ALL comfortable with an INR below 2 for more than a few days.
I'm much more comfortable with an INR of at least 2.5. I test weekly.