Coumadin and Vitamin K

Posted by Hank Eyring on May 31, 1999 at 13:25:36
Greetings.
I am 32yr male 8 weeks post AVR with St. Jude valve.
I have been having trouble stabilizing INR values because I love high Vitamin K foods but had a hard time eating the same amount every day..
Now I have a strategy.  I have done lots of research as to the Vitamin K content of foods I eat.  I keep track of the amount I eat on a high Vitamin K day.  Then on the days I don't eat any, I take a vitamin K tablet (derived from alfalfa, 100mcg each) ao two or whatever required to make my Vitamin K intake the same every day.  I just started a couple days ago and my first INR test is tomorrow..
Does this sound like a sound concept to you?
Thanks in advance,
Hank Eyring

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on May 31, 1999 at 20:17:37

Dear Hank
This sounds like a very unsound idea to me. Taking Vitamin K is only going to complicate the regulation of your INRs.
I hope this has been useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck.
Information provided here is of a general nature.  Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor.  If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.