Coumadin and infrered therapy

[Bubba222]

I am a coumadin patient due to atrium enlargement, an hx of afib and 2 prosthetic valves.  I also have chronic neck and back pain.  Is the use of far infrared heating pads OK with coumadin?  Thanks.

[NTB]

this page from John Hopkins says that heat is okay:
http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/ask-the-expert/general-arthritis-008/coumadin-and-joint-injections-1111.html

or maybe you could contact BMS at coumadin.com

[Bubba222]

Jerry,
     Thanks for your reply.  Far infrared is an old technology that has become popular in heating pads,  There are several types = many of them have flat jade stones in them.  They are unique in that they can project heat up to 3" into the body and provide hours of relief for back pain.  The concern is not an effect on protime or efficacy of coumadin, it is that the pads draw lots of blood into the capillaries which I fear could cause bleeding.  I do know a good pharmacist and am scheduled to see my cardiologist soon.  I will ask both.

     Sorry to hear your are living with afib.  I assume your mini-ablation did not work?  They can now do ablations through catheters - don't know if you have looked into that.
Good luck and thanks again.

[Jerry_NJ]

I have not read anything, nor to I have any reason to believe "far infrared" heating pads would have any affect on your clotting factor, or on the effectiveness of Coumadin. Have you looked for side effects of that type of heating pad?  I don't know what it is, or how it is different, does it use a radiator with a air interface rather than a cloth physical contact?  

I assume you have a "protime" clotting test periodically.  Do those test results show you in the desired range?  If yes, that suggests the radiation isn't a problem.

Ask you doctor or pharmacist.   Either of both may have advice.