Why is monitoring INR important for patients on anticoagulants?

Monitoring INR, or International Normalized Ratio, is crucial for patients on anticoagulants primarily to ensure effective anticoagulation. Anticoagulants, such as warfarin, are medications that reduce the blood's ability to clot. Since these medications can significantly vary in their effects between individuals due to factors like diet, genetics, and interactions with other medications, monitoring the INR helps maintain the blood's clotting ability within a target therapeutic range.

If the INR is too low, the patient is at risk for thrombosis due to insufficient anticoagulation, while a high INR indicates an increased risk for bleeding complications if the blood is excessively thin. Regular monitoring allows healthcare providers to adjust the dosage of anticoagulant therapy safely and effectively, ensuring that the patient achieves the desired balance between preventing clotting and minimizing bleeding risks.

While it's important to monitor liver and kidney function in patients on anticoagulants, as these organs play a role in drug metabolism and excretion, it does not directly relate to the purpose of INR monitoring. Additionally, measuring blood oxygen levels is relevant to different clinical assessments but does not pertain to the use of anticoagulants or their monitoring.