Supplements, Diet and Warfarin

[V__]

I will ask my cardiologist about Warfsrins association with arthritis as I have mild arthritis in my hips. 50 years of weightlifting and intense athletic activity may have contributed to joint wear and tear.

It would be interesting to see what the doctor says. Regarding osteoarthritis, I believe there was a paradigm change in the last decade or so. It was thought of as "wear and tear" decease previously. And a trauma can still lead you to it. But more recently a low-grade inflammation was found to be a very significant factor.

I would advise everyone to avoid obsessing with research on longevity statistics as they can be concerning and unnecessarily stressful, particularly when you have a family who depend on you.

But... it pleases me More seriously, I view the normal or near-normal longevity afforded by many types of heart surgeries, in combination with very low risk, as a true triumph of modern medicine. It's really, really impressive!

After 4 months in the hospital in 2008 and research, I know more about the heart then I ever cared to know in the past. I have 4 nurses and a Director of Cardiology in my extended family, so besides this forum I have loved ones for guidance.

I think you are lucky to have such a wealth of in-family knowledge. Can relate to a huge increase in heart-related knowledge and awareness due to having to go through the surgery.

Thanks for your post.

 

[ATHENS1964]

I am confused !
https://www.news-medical.net/news/2...tm_campaign=cardiology_newsletter_5_june_2024

 

[Cris N]

I am confused !
https://www.news-medical.net/news/2...tm_campaign=cardiology_newsletter_5_june_2024

Sounds like you're damned if you do and damned if you don't. I used to take fish oil supplements and about 10 years ago the cardiologist said to stop taking it. Just eat fish in moderate amounts.

 

[RainnPomela]

Vitamin K1 plays a significant role in INR stability, so it's wise to track its intake closely. Personally, I opt for natural supplements and keep an eye on how they might interact with medications. I've found that resources like Pellicle's blog can be insightful, although a search function would make it even easier. As for low Vitamin K1 diets, some folks manage by carefully planning meals to balance their intake. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for tailored guidance. If you're interested, here's a resource I've found helpful: https://goliathsteroids.com/

 

[newarrior]

So I guess you're saying that dosage doesn't matter (but 12 mg would seem a bit scary to me), but it's the INR that matters to keep it within the target range.

Again, thanks for the very useful info on INR management.

Yes, I would love to hear about this.

Well, given we have been in the waiting room for 22 years, and he had been saying for all those years that he will "never have OHS", and now slowly warming up to the idea of OHS (hard to warm up when your cardiovascular system is feeling damn good), and now he says "only once and never again". So even though we like the idea of tissue, we aspire to Dick's longevity at 87 and still ticking, with a hopefully one and done approach.

We're pretty anal about testing/monitoring/etc. with other stuff, and very compliant, so that won't be an issue. He takes no meds, not even OTC NSAIDs. But now that you mention joint issues, I do have more questions. I'll start another thread on that topic.

Thanks!

These great questions you're asking. I'm hardcore plant-based myself and I think that I wouldn't be a good candidate for the mechanical valve plus the ticking plus I'm taking so many different supplements and other medications that would probably counteract with the warfarin.. I'm probably just behind your husband I turn 62 last month. Like you guys I'm really anal about taking my medication I'm sure it'd be good with the testing but anyways that's all I can say of course it's always a personal decision. I think everybody's attracted to the whole one and done thing with mechanical... the good thing is the closer your husband gets to 70 the more likely he can just go with the tissue valve that's what I'm hoping for. At 62 but I think I'll probably end up getting it before 65

 

[newarrior]

Sounds like you're damned if you do and damned if you don't. I used to take fish oil supplements and about 10 years ago the cardiologist said to stop taking it. Just eat fish in moderate amounts.

I'm plant-based and I would just go with Omega-3s from Chia or flaxseed oils damage your heart. So you don't need them. Just have one or two tablespoons a day of chia or flaxseed you'll get all your Omega-3s without the damaging oil and fats from fish or fish oils.

 

[ATHENS1964]

Considerations of vitamin K supplementation with anticoagulation should include dose and type of vitamin K used. Extended intake of vitamin K1 of 700 μgm reduced INR values from 2 to 1.5. Vitamin K2 supplementation is more potent at reducing INR and 200 μgm of K2 will reduce INR values from 2 to 1.5. Thus, supplementation of >50 μgm of vitamin K2 requires INR monitoring
Warfarin anticoagulation results in osteoporosis and the need for vitamin K2 [45]. A study using vitamin K1 (150 μgm phytomenadione) daily in patients with unstable anticoagulation control showed that increasing and stabilizing the body's stores of the vitamin allowed for better control of anticoagulation by maintaining steady activation of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors [46]. Recently, a study (LOE = A) has confirmed this again [47]. In the group receiving vitamin K supplementation, the median number of warfarin dosage changes was significantly lower than in the placebo group. The dose of warfarin required for the treatment group receiving 150 μgm of vitamin K1 was 16% greater than the control group.

Considerations of vitamin K supplementation with anticoagulation should include dose and type of vitamin K used. Extended intake of vitamin K1 of 700 μgm reduced INR values from 2 to 1.5. Vitamin K2 supplementation is more potent at reducing INR and 200 μgm of K2 will reduce INR values from 2 to 1.5. Thus, supplementation of >50 μgm of vitamin K2 requires INR monitoring [48].

The evidence that coumadin may increase fractures, arterial calcification, and mortality is still in conflict. One study looking at hemodialysis patients showed an increase risk of fractures in males but not in females. Also, there was a significant increase in aortic and iliac calcification. Alarmingly, the hazards ratio for all-cause mortality was 2.42 in the warfarin treated group [49]. A recent case control study (LOE = B) looking at warfarin use in men has shown an increase in advanced prostate cancer by 220% after more than 4 years of use [50]. In another study, long-term warfarin use and risk for fractures compared to a matched cohort did not reveal an increased risk of fractures
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5494092/

 

[ATHENS1964]

Vitamin K1 plays a significant role in INR stability, so it's wise to track its intake closely. Personally, I opt for natural supplements and keep an eye on how they might interact with medications. I've found that resources like Pellicle's blog can be insightful, although a search function would make it even easier. As for low Vitamin K1 diets, some folks manage by carefully planning meals to balance their intake. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for tailored guidance. If you're interested, here's a resource I've found helpful: https://goliathsteroids.com/

https://www.aprifel.com/en/component/vitamin-k1/

 

[Habana58]

I take 100 mcg K2 daily during past 10 years since AVR; not an issue, no interference what so ever with INR, "for me".

 

[newarrior]

I take 100 mcg K2 daily during past 10 years since AVR; not an issue, no interference what so ever with INR, "for me".

That's great. I take K2 as well to slow down or minimize arterial or valve calcification and deterioration