What is INR and why is it important?

What is INR and why is it important?

The international normalized ratio (INR) is a calculation based on results of a PT and is used to monitor individuals who are being treated with the blood-thinning medication (anticoagulant) warfarin (Coumadin®). The PT and INR are used to monitor the effectiveness of the anticoagulant warfarin.

What happens if your INR is high?

The higher your PT or INR, the longer your blood takes to clot. An elevated PT or INR means your blood is taking longer to clot than your healthcare provider believes is healthy for you. When your PT or INR is too high, you have an increased risk of bleeding.

What does an INR of 1.0 mean?

A normal INR is 1.0. Each increase of 0.1 means the blood is slightly thinner (it takes longer to clot). INR is related to the prothrombin time (PT). If there is serious liver disease and cirrhosis, the liver may not produce the proper amount of proteins and then the blood is not able to clot as it should.

Is high INR good or bad?

INR values over 4.5 increase the risk of major haemorrhage (bleeding), and an INR less than 2 increases the risk of thromboembolism (formation of blood clots within the blood vessels) and associated conditions such as heart attack and stroke.

Can you eat bananas while taking warfarin?

So, go bananas! But be sure to eat green bananas in normal portions and make sure you keep testing your regular blood test to make sure your INR doesn’t drop below your target range.

How do I bring my INR down?

It is most important to eat a healthy, consistent, and balanced diet. Certain foods and dietary supplements have vitamin K. Vitamin K works against warfarin. If you eat more vitamin K, it can decrease your INR.

What is a critical INR level?

[8]For patients who are on anticoagulant therapy, the therapeutic INR ranges between 2.0 to 3.0. INR levels above 4.9 are considered critical values and increase the risk of bleeding.

Is a 2.2 INR good?

A typical INR target ranges from 2-3 but can vary from patient to patient. Patients with a tendency towards clotting may have a range targeting 3-4, whereas patients with a higher bleeding risk may have a lower INR between 2-2.5.

Can high INR cause stroke?

People not taking warfarin have an INR of around 1 but patients with a mechanical heart valve should have an INR in the range of 2.5 to 3.5 to prevent their body creating a blood clot which could travel to the brain and cause a stroke.

What is considered dangerously high INR?

INR above 8.0 If the INR is greatly above 8.0 (upwards of 10.0 for a patient with no risk factors for falls or haemorrhage), or the patient is elderly and at risk of a fall, 1-2mg of IV phytomenadione may be considered.

What can you not eat with warfarin?

Foods to limit while taking warfarin

• Kale.
• Spinach.
• Brussels sprouts.
• Parsley.
• Collard greens.
• Mustard greens.
• Endive.
• Red cabbage.

What is the most common side effect of warfarin?

The main side effect of warfarin is bleeding. While the risk of major bleeding is low, you need to be aware of potential problems. For example, you might have trouble stopping the bleeding from a cut on your hand or a nosebleed. More-serious bleeding may occur inside the body (internal).

What can cause an increased INR?

What increases my risk for an elevated INR? Too much anticoagulant medicine, a type of blood thinner that helps prevent clots Other medicines, such as aspirin, NSAIDs, and some antibiotics, when you also are using anticoagulants Health conditions, such as liver failure or bleeding disorders A sudden decrease of vitamin K in your diet

What is the normal value for INR?

In healthy people an INR of 1.1 or below is considered normal. An INR range of 2.0 to 3.0 is generally an effective therapeutic range for people taking warfarin for disorders such as atrial fibrillation or a blood clot in the leg or lung.

What causes high INR levels?

Causes of High INR Levels (Prolonged Prothrombin ) Liver Disease (Including Cirrhosis and Hepatitis): Coagulation factors are made in the liver. Hereditary Dactor Deficiency: A genetic defect causes a decrease in a coagulation factor. Vitamin K Deficiency: Vitamin K –dependent factors (II, VII, IX, X) are not made.

What are the dangers of high INR levels?

When your INR level shoots above 5, you are at increased risk for hemorrhage. Higher INR’s can even have spontaneous hemorrhage meaning you start bleeding for no reason or no injury. For a person with a high INR, their blood takes a long time to clot or won’t clot, so they become a danger for bleeding out and dying.