What does a high INR indicate in patients undergoing anticoagulation therapy?

A high International Normalized Ratio (INR) in patients undergoing anticoagulation therapy suggests an increased risk of bleeding. The INR is a standardized measure of how long it takes blood to clot, specifically for patients receiving medications such as warfarin. Normal INR values generally range from 0.8 to 1.1, but for patients on anticoagulants, therapeutic INR ranges are usually higher, which indicates appropriate blood thinning.

When the INR rises significantly above the therapeutic range, it indicates that the blood is taking longer to clot than desired, which heightens the possibility of bleeding complications. This is particularly critical in patients who may be at risk for bleeding due to their underlying conditions or when undergoing surgical procedures. Therefore, monitoring the INR is essential in managing anticoagulation therapy to maintain it within a safe range to prevent both clotting and bleeding events.