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Is It Normal To Take Coumadin After Aortic Valve Replacement?

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Posted on Mon, 2 Mar 2015
Question: I had an aortic valve replacement seven years ago. No problems. Taking aspirin. My cardiologist thinks I should take Coumadin now (age 83). Problems with kidneys (only 48% capacity now). Con XXXXXXX scale, I am a one. My doctor says "it's a toss up." I do not want to take Coumadin, as I do have skin problems and bleed easily. Very concerned about afib, which is currently under control.
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Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
coumadin is drug of choice anticoagulant

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and I understand your concern. With history of aortic valve replacement and atrial fibrillation anticoagulant is a mandatory part of management. If your doctor has tossed up coumadin I am sure he has tried all other options like enoxaparin, dabigatran, rivaroxiban etc.

What people think of warfarin is quite overrated. No doubt warfarin is a risk in ages above 65 with renal insufficiency but it is also a drug of choice in atrial fibrillation and as far as adverse effect profile is concerned that is easily managed with dose adjustment and constant regular follow up of the INR and bleeding profile and when exceeded a single vitamin k injection can reverse the symptoms.

Nutshell I believe your doctor is right and you should opt for warfarin. All it would need is and regular follow up and monitoring of bleeding profile and INR and that I and sure you can easily do.

I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and don't forget to close the discussion please.
Regards XXXXXXX
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3613 Questions

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Is It Normal To Take Coumadin After Aortic Valve Replacement?

Brief Answer: coumadin is drug of choice anticoagulant Detailed Answer: Thank you for asking I read your question and I understand your concern. With history of aortic valve replacement and atrial fibrillation anticoagulant is a mandatory part of management. If your doctor has tossed up coumadin I am sure he has tried all other options like enoxaparin, dabigatran, rivaroxiban etc. What people think of warfarin is quite overrated. No doubt warfarin is a risk in ages above 65 with renal insufficiency but it is also a drug of choice in atrial fibrillation and as far as adverse effect profile is concerned that is easily managed with dose adjustment and constant regular follow up of the INR and bleeding profile and when exceeded a single vitamin k injection can reverse the symptoms. Nutshell I believe your doctor is right and you should opt for warfarin. All it would need is and regular follow up and monitoring of bleeding profile and INR and that I and sure you can easily do. I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and don't forget to close the discussion please. Regards XXXXXXX