coumadin and alcohol

Posted By Cathy on August 28, 1998 at 22:38:16:







My husband has Marfan's syndrome, and had his aortic valve and arch
replaced (both are artificial/mechanical) about five years ago due to
an aortic disection.  He is 23 years old now.  He was put on coumadin,
3 mg per day, and also atenelol 100 mg per day.  He recovered well and
hasn't had any problems since.
My question has to do with alcohol consumption.  Is it bad for someone
with Marfan's to drink?  Or for someone taking his medications?  He has
a drink now and then, not a lot, but when I've asked him about it he says
it's fine as long he doesn't get hurt (since the blood would clot more
slowly on coumadin, and even more slowly with alcohol in the system).  Am I
being paranoid here?  I want him to enjoy himself, and truthfully nothing
bad has ever resulted from him having a drink now and then.  He says his
doctor OK'd it as long it was moderate, but I still worry.  Also, if
alcohol increases the effect of coumadin, how much does it increase it by,
and for how long?  Is it really OK as long he's just careful not to injure
himself?  And how much alcohol is "moderate"?  This has been bothering me
for a while now, so any input would be appreciated.
~Cathy