What should be monitored when a patient is prescribed anticoagulants?

Monitoring coagulation parameters, such as the International Normalized Ratio (INR), is crucial when a patient is prescribed anticoagulants. Anticoagulants, like warfarin, work by inhibiting the coagulation cascade, thereby reducing the potential for blood clots. The INR is a standardized measure that helps assess how well anticoagulation therapy is functioning, allowing healthcare providers to adjust dosages to maintain the patient within a therapeutic range.

This is essential because too low of an INR may indicate inadequate anticoagulation, leaving the patient at risk for thromboembolic events, such as strokes or deep vein thrombosis. Conversely, too high of an INR suggests an increased risk of bleeding, which can lead to serious complications. Regular monitoring of INR allows for timely adjustments to treatment to help achieve the desired balance between preventing clots and minimizing bleeding risks.

While blood glucose levels, cholesterol levels, and liver function tests are important in their own right for various health conditions, they are not the primary focus for monitoring in patients on anticoagulant therapy. Blood glucose relates to diabetes management, cholesterol assesses cardiovascular risk, and liver function tests can provide information on liver health, but they do not directly impact the safety and effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy