I dont understand the INR graph

[Blooto]

[Hidden]

Which graph, where ? I haven't seen any graph.

[rosyG]

I think it's showing the safest range for INR and compares stroke and bleeding events at different ranges compared with those not on anti-coaglulants. I don't fully understand the ratio bit but think the ranges are clear!

[rosyG]

Koli- it's something someone sent us all on the INR question feed

[MarkS]

This is presumably the graph I posted in response to another query. It shows the risk of stroke at various INR levels. Here is the graph:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

Here is my comment:

What it shows are two lines - one being the risk of a stroke from a thromboembolism - a clot. That's the solid line. It starts high at about 7.5 for an INR of 1.3 or less. So this means the risk of a stroke is 7.5 times higher at INR 1.3 than if you had an INR in the right range of 2-3.

The second dashed line shows the risk of an intracranial haemorrhage - a brain bleed. This shows low risk (about 1) until the INR exceeds 3.5.

So obviously you want to avoid both a clot stroke and a brain bleed. A low INR stops brain bleeds but does not stop clots, whilst a high INR stops clots but increases the risk (up to 12 times) of a brain bleed.

Fortunately there's a "sweet spot" where you get both low risk of a clot and low risk of a brain bleed. That's when your INR is between 2 & 3. Have a look at the graph - you can see both lines are low (which is good) between these numbers. This is where you want to be.

I hope this helps!