Usual INR range for Mechanical Aortic Valve

[ajay_22_86]

I just have a quick question. What's considered the usual desired INR range for a mechanical aortic valve? I ask because I've been told conflicting things. My GP said it should be 3-4, and my hospital pharmacist wrote this down in my Warfarin booklet. However when I spoke to my cardiologist, he said 2-3....?

 

[Bina]

My surgeon and doc have covered all bases. ( I have no other cardiac issues)
Range is 2.5---3.5 but not to worry so long as I stay above 2.0

 

[catwoman]

American Heart Association says 2.3-3.0, I believe, for an aortic, with 2.5-3.5 for a mitral valve.
Some physicians will specify 2.5-3.5 for an aortic.
3.0-4.0 is kinda high for only an aortic, with no other issues involved (stroke history). An aortic is a low-risk situation, compared to a mitral valve, thus the lower range for an AV.

 

[netmiff]

my ACT doc got the book out, and showed me 2 - 3, but agreed if I wanted to stay a bit higher to 2.5 to 3.5. I have mech aortic

 

[ctyguy]

Catwoman's answer is spot on what I was told. 2.0 - 3.0 for aortic, 2.5 - 3.5 for mitral.

 

[dick0236]

My range has been 2.5-3.5 since the introduction of the INR system. Any INR around 2 makes me uncomfortable. I have had a stroke that was probably caused by a low INR. I have never experienced any problems with an INR above 4. I try to maintain an INR slightly above 3...although as we all know, that is not always possible. I like the saying that floats around here..."it is easier to replace blood cells due to a little extra bleeding than brain cells killed by a clot.

 

[sue943]

My range is 3.0 to 4.0 but I have both mechanical mitral and aortic valves, not just the one valve.

 

[COLLEEN S]

We just had this convo a little while back. I read on the coumadin insert
http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30527&highlight=COLLEEN

 

[ajay_22_86]

Thanks for the feedback guys! Obviously it's not as simple as my GP made out. He pulled out a book which just said a mechanical valve should be 3-4, regardless of position. Damn GPs lol

 

[EVELYN]

My Hubby's surgeon told him 2.5-3.5 for his mechanical Aortic valve. Our cardio agreed and that is where he tries to stay. Sometimes it works, and some times, NOT......Remember what INR means: It's Never Right!

Ev

 

[catwoman]

Thanks for the feedback guys! Obviously it's not as simple as my GP made out. He pulled out a book which just said a mechanical valve should be 3-4, regardless of position. Damn GPs lol

As I stated previously, those with a mechanical AV are at a lower risk of a clot, due to the hemodynamics around a mitral valve.

3.0-4.0 isn't going to hurt you, but if you don't have other considerations -- such as a double mechanical valve or history of stroke, why use that as your range just because of a GP's book and not following your cardiologist's figures?

It means you'll be having to take more warfarin to maintain an INR higher than you really need, and consequently perhaps spending more $$ in the long run on Rxes if you have to have a combination of sizes to reach an optimal dosage. If your Rxes are free, that's not a problem.

Just my 0.02 cents worth -- or whatever the exchange rate is throughout the world.

 

[terodac]

My doctor wants mine between 3.0 to 3.5, but that is just to short so we go for 2.5 to 3.5, last few months it has been at 3.8 I have not changed anything. I take 10mg a day, I really don't like the bruising at this 3.8 I really like mine around 3.0.

 

[Buffy41]

I had an aortic replacement and was told to keep mine between 2-3.

 

[olefin]

My range has been 2.5-3.5 since the introduction of the INR system. Any INR around 2 makes me uncomfortable.

I'm the same as Dick.

I don't remember the range of my PT control before they started using INR. Or do I have any records. I have my INR record books that go back to 1994. Since that time I've been at 2.5-3.5. It's worked for all these years that's what I'm sticking with. I once had to go to a GP doctor and he wanted to lowered the control, I fired him! Other than that time I've only had two different doctors in 18 years and they have both been Cardiologist. Both recommend 2.5-3.5. My first Cardiologist was happy with 2.5-4.5.

 

[Taysgrama]

I have a St. Jude in the aortic position and my cardio, GP and surgeon all said to keep my INR in the 2.5 - 3.5 range. As long as I stay in the 2.8 - 3.5 range, I am happy. They say that the aortic valve is more "self cleaning" and less prone to clots, but I feel better if I keep it there. Hope that helps....

 

[BigOwl]

It kind of depends where you are (location) and what kind of mech aortal valve, as well as what kind of anticoagulant. My docs want me 2.5 to 3.5, but don't get antsy unless it goes below 2.0. In Europe, on procoumarin, the protocols say 1.8 to 2.0 is ok. 3.5 seems like a good "high" value, and staying above 2.0 seems to be the favored low. I just want to stay out of panic range!

 

[alirob]

My prosthetic aortic valve is made by CarboMedics. Following is their recommendation direct from their website:
"CarboMedics recommends that surgeons and cardiologists follow the recommendations of the Sixth ACCP Consensus Conference on Antithrombotic Therapy for bileaflet mechanical valves. The recommendations are for an INR of 2.0 to 3.0 for aortic valves and 2.5 to 3.5 for mitral valves."