Your health
Cholesterol
Warfarin
Taking Warfarin after a Myocardial infection
Warfarin is an anticoagulant which retards the clotting process in the blood. It doesn't thin the blood, but increase the time taken to clot the blood.
It is of utmost importance that you take the tablets regularly at the same time every day (eg morning and evening). It is also important to have blood tests regularly. If you can't meet an appointment, please notify the pathologist or your doctor so that alternative arrangements can be made.
Things to watch out for
If you experience any of the following signs or symptoms, notify your doctor immediately:
- Blood in urine or stools.
- Small pinpoint bleeds on the skin or large bruises under the skin.
- Blood specks in phlegm when coughing.
Taking other medication with warfarin
You are advised not to take the following medication with your anticoagulant therapy (unless otherwise prescribed):
- aspirin (eg Disprin, Codis)
- antibiotics
- anti-inflammatories (eg Voltaren, Brufen)
If any other medication is prescribed or stopped, you must inform the pathologist so that your treatment can be adapted accordingly.
Blood tests for assessment
The test that is done is called prothrombin index (PI). Your treatment is continually adjusted to maintain this value at between 25% and 50%. Initially tests are done every few days to determine your own pattern; thereafter it need only be done every 4-6 weeks.
Repeat your prescription timeously to avoid running out of tablets.
Diet
Your diet can also influence the action of the tablets. Follow these guidelines.
- Eat only moderate amounts of green leafy vegetables (spinach, broccoli etc) because these are rich in Vitamin K, which counteracts warfarin.
- Excessive alcohol intake can affect blood clotting.
- Don't use any vitamin supplements that contain Vitamin K.
- Don't take the warfarin tablets with orange juice (or any citrus juice).
- Don't take the warfarin tablets with bananas, tomatoes, egg yolk, fish or fish oils, potato chips or plant oils.
Sources of Vitamin K
- Large amounts of leafy green vegetables, especially cabbage, broccoli, turnips (leaves) and lettuce
- Bran
- Cheese, egg yolk, liver (contains less Vitamin K than green leafy vegetables)
- Bacon (reasonably rich)
- Oats (reasonably rich)
- Wholewheat (reasonably rich)
Prevention of injury
While receiving anticoagulant therapy, an open sore will take longer to stop bleeding. It is thus important to avoid injuring yourself. The following advice is useful:
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Don't use toothpicks or any other sharp objects in your mouth.
- Avoid the use of sharp cutting instruments that can lead to injury.
- Avoid contact sports.
- Protect yourself from falling – remove loose mats and wear shoes with rubber soles.
- If you should cut yourself, apply pressure to the area for at least 10 minutes. If bleeding continues, contact your doctor.
Click one of these links for more information on how to look after yourself on your release from hospital following a heart attack:
