Brain & Nervous System Stroke For Caregivers How Coumadin Helps With Stroke Prevention By Jose Vega MD, PhD linkedin Jose Vega MD, PhD, is a board-certified neurologist and published researcher specializing in stroke. Learn about our editorial process Jose Vega MD, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD on November 19, 2019 linkedin Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD, is an award-winning, board-certified physician-scientist and clinical development specialist. Learn about our Medical Review Board Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD Updated on January 19, 2021 Print Coumadin (warfarin) is a blood thinning medication that works by inhibiting the function of vitamin K - an essential tool in the body's ability to form blood clots. John Fedele / Getty Images Coumadin and Strokes Coumadin is a powerful medication used for stroke prevention. Coumadin has potent blood-thinning properties (i.e., it prevents the abnormal formation of blood clots in the body). An example of a disease in which abnormal blood clot formation leads to stroke is atrial fibrillation, a disease in which an erratic beating of the heart leads to the formation of unwanted blood clots inside the heart chambers. Other instances in which Coumadin is used for stroke prevention include: When someone had a defective heart valve replaced surgically with a mechanical prosthetic valve.When someone is found to have a blood clot inside the heart after they suffered a heart attack.When someone is found to have a blood clot in the deep veins in the legs (also known as deep venous thrombosis or DVT. DVTs can cause strokes in people who have a small hole between the right and left sides of the heart. This small hole is known as patent foramen ovale or PFO.When someone has an abnormal tendency to form blood clots as a result of an autoimmune disorder, such as lupus.When someone has a genetic predisposition to form blood clots due to a deficiency in one or more of the body’s mechanisms that normally prevent abnormal blood clot formation. International Normalized Ratio (INR) Blood clotting is measured using the International Normalized Ratio (INR) which attributes a value of 1.0 to people with a normal ability to form blood clots. When people take Coumadin, their INR increases, an indication that they are less likely to form blood clots. The desirable INR for stroke prevention is between 2-3. The INR is measured with a blood test. If the INR goes too high (more than 3) this can cause unwanted bleeding. This is the reason why people who take Coumadin must have their blood taken every few weeks or months. Blood Pressure Control People who suffer from high blood pressure and who also take Coumadin for stroke prevention must always keep in mind that high blood pressure increases the risk of hemorrhagic strokes or strokes caused by bleeding in the brain. As Coumadin decreases the body’s mechanisms which normally stop bleeding, people who take Coumadin must always keep their blood pressure in check. Tips Take only medicines prescribed by your doctor (Coumadin interacts with multiple medications)Take your Coumadin at the same time every day (usually before bedtime)Eat the same amount of vitamin K containing food every day (e.g., fish, broccoli, spinach, cabbage, kale, cauliflower)Avoid excessive alcoholAvoid activities which might cause you to fallNever stop Coumadin without your doctor's knowledgeNever take double doses of Coumadin, unless specifically asked by your doctor to do soCall your doctor if your stool changes in color Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit