Information
Top 10 Variables: Overall health
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
PTINR.com Staff
The health of a patient on warfarin can influence an INR test result.
The 2006-2007 flu season reminded us how devastating the flu can be. Anyone who experienced the flu or knew someone who did can appreciate how a common, microscopic virus can change the life of a patient and their family. Hospitalization for older citizens who contract the flu is common. The human body is highly complex in some respects but relatively simple in others under normal, healthy circumstances. Add health issues and things change dramatically.
The body’s coagulation system is made up of three primary components: red blood cells, platelets and a product called fibrin. The process the body uses to form a clot is called the “clotting cascade”. It is series of complex processes designed to heal the body from the smallest bleeds deep within the body to larger, external injuries. When the body is invaded from bacteria, virus or disease – the body generally takes longer to form a clot. Add warfarin (Coumadin ®) to a patient with a pre-existing health condition or illness and the risk for bleeding increases.
The health of a patient also plays a significant role in the body’s metabolism. Patients in good health process medications more quickly and thoroughly than those in poor health. Patients with a chronic disease or prolonged illness often have higher INR test results than under normal, non-diseased or sick patients. While patients can’t control their metabolism – they can be aware of their overall health and associate colds, flu and other diseases including the stress associated with them to a prolonged INR test result.
An unexpected INR may be the result of an illness. Illnesses can include: colds, flu, fever, diarrhea, bacterial and viral infections. An INR will likely not show up for very short term (1-2 days) colds and sniffles but more likely for prolonged (>5 days) health events.
Patients should report any health issues to their healthcare provider team. Most common colds and flu run their course in 7-10 days and usually don’t prompt a reduction in warfarin dose by a professional. Patients should drink fluids and get plenty of rest which allows the body to fight the germs. Patients who take medications for their health issues should have each product cleared by their doctor to avoid a drug interaction with warfarin which can also provide higher or lower INR test results without warning.