What is the correct INR for a tissue AVR?

[palmaceae]

My INR seems to hang around 2.0, sometimes lower (1.6-1.9) but has never been higher as far as I know. Does that seem too low? The last time it was tested was last Monday and it was 2.0. The nurse said to change the dose but it turned out to be the same schedule as I am on now, which is to alternate one day with 2.5 mg then the next day 5 mg of warfarin. Does this sound right? I don't think they test enough either, should they test more then once a week? The home care nurse is coming today so I will ask if she can test again. Since I have a tissue valve this treatment will only last another month or so but wanted to make sure I am doing this right.
Thank you,

 

[Ross]

2 to 3 would be fine. Below 2 doesn't provide much protection, but with a tissue valve it's not a huge concern. Some Doctors skip it completely and use aspirin instead.

Once a week testing is sufficient unless your really yo yoing.

 

[catwoman]

I assume you are on warfarin temporarily to prevent post-op clots.

My guess is the INR should be 2.0-3.0, which is a common range for a mechanical aortic valve (even though you have a tissue) or for someone with a history of DVTs or pulmonary embolisms.

If your INR was 2.0, then once a week testing is adequate if you are on warfarin short-term. If you are on it long-term and are consistent with 2.0 on weekly testing, many doctors/anticoagulation managers would go to testing every two weeks, then farther apart if those INRs were also consistent.

 

[Bina]

Like Ross said: INR 2-3 is the post op tissue range, and once weekly is good for now.

 

[Mary]

As Ross stated, many of us weren't put on coumadin post-op. I have the same valve as you, and I had a history of TIA's, but no coumadin. 2.0 is probably adequate for you, and I wouldn't worry about retesting more often than what's been prescribed.

 

[ChouDoufu]

i've also got the same meat valve and was put on warfarin for three months.
target range is 2.0-3.0, with 2.5-3.0 preferred. they had me begin with
testing weekly, then if stable could go 10-14 days.

i've been pretty much stable at 2.2 on 5mg/day.

 

[palmaceae]

Thank you everyone!

 

[Jkm7]

I have bovine valve and was supposed to be on warfarin for three months post op. I was on very high dosage and never reached my range of 2.0 - 3.0 the whole time I was on ACT. They kep increasing my dose and I never got to 2.0. Finally, at 2 1/2 months my surgeon told me I could stop taking it.