Anticoagulation :

          Patients receiving a mechanical heart valve require a blood thinner (Warfarin, Acitrom) to prevent clots. Other associated conditions like irregular heart beat (atrial fibrillation) and enlarged heart may also be treated with warfarin. Some surgeons also prefer to put their patients with biological valves also on a small dose of warfarin for 6-12 weeks.

          Warfarin works by prolonging the time for the blood to clot. The drug must be carefully monitored by doing a blood test called (INR). INR should be done once a month ideally. WHO recommends that the INR should be between 2.5 to 3.5 for patients with prosthetic mechanical valves. Too high a level will cause bleeding problem and too Iow a level will cause embolism. To keep the levels steady it is advisable to take this drug at a specific time each day. We advice 6 pm. every day. One should avoid heavy alcohol consumption, certain types of food (high in vit-K) and some medicines. Please check with your doctor before taking any over the counter medications including cold remedies, antibiotics, vitamins and sleeping pills.

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           Patients on warfarin should report to the doctor if experience bleeding from gums, nose bleeds, blood in urine or stool, spotting of blood while coughing or excessive menstrual loss. Also report immediately to the doctor if they experience a transient loss of consciousness, weakness of a limb or blurring of vision.