Therapeutic inr range for cardioversion

[Jollies]

Was rung up today to sort out a date for my cardioversion. Was told that my range was 2 to 3 and as my range 3 weeks ago was 3.4 I would have to wait a couple more weeks. Aaaaagh! I thought I had read somewhere that for cardioversion the best range was 2.5 to 3.5. Any one know ?

[BobD Volunteer]

Well two years ago at HRC we were told that as the testing system for INR was so inaccurate it was best to aim between 2.5 and 3.5 but there is nothing in any of the guidelines to that effect.

[Jollies in reply to BobD]

Thank you Bob

[Hidden]

Hi Jollies, I'm not medically trained, but I was due to have a cardioversion in early August but it was delayed because my INR dropped to 1.8 a week before the procedure was due. The warfarin clinic were asked by the hospital arrythmia team to get me between 2.5 and 3.5 and the tests were done from the vein rather than a finger prick. CV followed in early September and pleased to say I'm still in NSR 10 wks later. Not sure if that helps, but good luck!

John

[Jollies in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I might just phone them back up and get them to double check!

[jeanjeannie50]

Strange, as I know my cardioversion team would have carried out the procedure at 3.4. They would probably have done it if it had been a little higher than that too. They appeared to prefer my INR to be on the higher side.

[jossikins]

Hi! Yes, I have had several cardioversions, and the required INR for each one was between 2.5 and 3.5.

Maybe requirements differ, depending where you are. With the first one, I had to have my blood taken venously whereas, with the following three, under a different cardiologist in a different hospital, they accepted the thumb prick method. It is annoying when things are delayed by something that seems so irrelevant. For one of mine, the INR fell below 2 and I had to start all over again. But that was understandable, because what they are avoiding is having any dormant clot shaken loose by the cardioversion - so, I would query it if it were me. At least you will then know why they insist on that reading.

Good luck!

Jos.

[Jollies]

Thank you Jean and Jos. Had a cardioversion earlier in the year at Addenbrookes and I know they would have accepted 2.5 to 3.5 . I get moved to Papworth, geographically 10 miles down the road and the goalposts move slightly. I suppose they could move with whomever you see. My EP said it is hospital policy to use a GA for ablation. X

[Hidden]

I have had cardio versions done with INR over 3.0 and one done at 1.9