Exercise and INR stability

[kateb81]

Hi, Has anyone else had problems with their INR fluctuating after the introduction of regular exercise?? I recently joined a gym to try and shed the lbs and have been going at least 3 times a week... Ever since I started going my INR has jumped for 5.1 (range is 2.5 - 3.5) then down to 2.3 and now back over the range at 4.2. Doing my nut in now as I'm back to weekly testing which isn't that easy when I have to dash out of work early to get to the clinic before it closes at lunch time...

Thanks for any input.

Kate xx

[swx3]

Hi kateb81, I'm the other way around, my inr seems to have stabilised ( I've gone and jinxed it now!!!) since I started a 'regime' at end of Jan / beg of Feb, I'm just doing work-outs at home, and watching what I eat, I am normally weekly/fortnightly testing, 20yrs + , I have been twice since the new year, and I'm right on target!. Keeping my fingers crossed...... Sarahx

[Nanuuk]

I found it fluctuated witb exercise too.

[Sal0712]

I too fluctuate with exercise :o(

[GinaD]

Yep, mine changes with exercise too. But of course, if you are also modifying your diet --even if such modifications do not involve V K, that will also influence INR. But stick with the diet and exercise! In the end you'll be healthier!

[jetjetjet]

I agree with Gina--exercise is also good if you are diabetic such as myself -- can't wait til snow is gone and Casey and I can start my hiking !!!

[tipi]

My husbands INR is all over the place whatever he does. We gave up with clinics in the end and bought a coagucheck home testing machine.

Its easy to use, and we just phone through his INR to get any tablet changes.

The GP will try and tell you they won't let you (as ours did) but stick to your guns and insist. Its your life after all. Be in control of it.

Good luck.

[Elisabeth]

Hi mine fluctuates a lot but I guess it is logical a when you think we all take differing amounts of warfarin to try and achieve a similar INR because it is all about how we metabolise the drug and when we excercise hopefully this is increasing our metabolism and therefore I guess it is logical that it will affect our INR unless we constantly adjust our dose. I have recently had extensive shoulder surgery so have been very sedentary compared to normal and have really reduced my warfarin to compensate my greater inactivity. I self test which is a blessing in this situation.

[Hidden]

I think the key here, was it introduce it slowly a little at a time. My husband's INR remained the same when we began and over several months we did more exercise together. Nothing strenuous at first, some walking, some cycling and yoga. It seemed to make little difference in his INR over the long-term.

[Herb]

It may not be directly connected with the exercise, but your body metabolism may change, for example your digestion and liver health (vitamin k lives in liver and guts) also changing your diet and body mass. I was told by the consultant this was why young people need more warfarin than the elderly to get the same INR.

The change in INR you describe isn't a really big one and could be due to the natural variety in INR that a lot of people with our condition experience.

The condition puts us at high risk of heart attack and stroke so exercise is really important. The fact that you have already started it is extremely positive so don't let this put you off.

[Hidden]

Hey All!

I recently had some downward adjustments in my INR levels, at the same time i have increased my amount of exercise. Did anyone have confirmation/positive belief from their doctor that this could trigger a reduction in INR/higher dosages of coumadin?