Can INR be monitored more closely?
Studies have shown that patients who monitor their own INR levels at home on a weekly basis using a home monitoring test machine have increased success in maintaining targeted INR levels, and that this in turn reduces the risk of bleeding or clotting. Home monitoring is reimbursable by insurance and can be set up through a physician’s office. What is the therapeutic INR range? The proper range for a patient is dependent upon many things and should be determined by a doctor. INR ranges currently recommended by the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology and American College of Chest Physicians for patients with a bileaflet mechanical valve (like On-X), without complicating medical conditions, are 2.0 to 3.0 for aortic valve patients and 2.5 to 3.5 for mitral or multiple valve patients. Doesn’t the On-X valve require less anticoagulant? There is an FDA approved reduced anticoagulation study to determine the lower limits of anticoagulation therapy for the On-X valve. An
