Coumadin Clinic

The Heart & Vascular Institute of Florida Coumadin Clinic is an Innovative program to better meet your needs while you are on Coumadin Therapy. The purpose of the program is to increase your understanding of how Coumadin best works for you. Your physician may recommend that you participate in the Coumadin Clinic, so that you achieve the maximum benefits of Coumadin, while minimizing your risk of complications.

The Coumadin Clinic is a way for us to manage your Coumadin more closely. Millions of Americans are on Coumadin therapy to prevent clots from forming in their blood. Your physician has recommended Coumadin therapy because you are at risk for clot formation. Common medical conditions that require anticoagulation are atrial fibrillation, valve replacements, recent heart attacks, cerebrovascular accidents, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolus. By participating in the clinic, you will reduce your chances of blood clot formation.

A Clinical nurse, who has been specially trained in anticoagulation therapy, will work closely with your physician to see that your rleeds are met. You will find it reassuring to know that a nurse will always be available to answer any questions that you may have while on Coumadin.

Why should I participate in the Coumadin Clinic?

Your physician has recommended that you participate in the Coumadin Clinic, so that he can follow your progress on therapy more closely. Coumadin is a potent anticoagulation agent. In other words, it reduces the time it takes your blood to clot, in order to prevent blood clots from forming. This action can reduce your risk of having a stroke. Because Coumadin reduces your clotting time, this means you are at an increased risk for bleeding. By participating in the Coumadin Clinic, we will be able to monitor you more closely. The pptential for bleeding will be assessed at every visit that you receive a blood draw for a prothrombin time (also called a PT or INR). The knowledge gained at every visit by screening each patient, will assist your physician to better make dosage adjustments to your Coumadin. At the same time, you will have an opportunity to ask important questions as it relates to your therapy. Your health and well being are important to us. By improving the quality of your care, you can be reassured of a healthy and happy life!

How do I participate in the Coumadin Clinic?

• First, your physician must make a recommendation for you to participate.
• You will then setup an appointment for an initial evaluation to enter the clinic.
• At the time your initial evaluation, the clinical nurse will review your current health practices and make recommendations to help you minimize your risk for complications.
• You may choose to be scheduled for an educational class on how to take coumadin appropriately.
•  At every follow up visit, you will be evaluated for changes in diet, medications and other situations that may alter your Protime?INR. Additionally you will be evaluated for any potential complications since your last blood draw.
• The clinical nurse will discuss your PT/INR results at the time of visit. You will be instructed on when to repeat your blood work and any dosage changes.

What does Protime and INR mean?

To help your physician determine your dosage to Coumadin, a protime or INR will be drawn. Sometimes the protime is referred to as a "PT". Protimes are often recorded as an INR (International Normalized Ratio), a universally standardized way of measuring protimes. A protime is a way of determining how fast your blood clots. You will need to be continually monitored with this test as long as you take Coumadin. Remember, you are on Coumadin to prevent your blood from forming clots, and it is very important that you follow your physician's recommendations for dosage adjustments. It is equally important that you let us know if there is a change in your diet or medications that may alter your PT/INR results.