INR stands for international normalized ratio. INR is a test in the laboratory that can evaluate the time required for clotting of the blood. This measurement was compared with the average value. Knowing the INR value is very important to manage health. To calculate INR, small sample of blood is taken from the vein available in the finger. The time for clotting of blood is evaluated. The ratio of it to that of its average is determined.
Why is INR high?
If the INR value is high then it takes longer time for the blood to clot. Higher INR can prevent the blood to get clotted faster which might cause heart attack. If the value of INR is very high then it can lead to bleeding that cannot be controlled. So normally when there is any uncontrolled bleeding or bruising, it is advisable to go to the physician for prescription. INR is useful in noticing the influence of medicines of anticoagulant like Warfarin (Coumadin).
Atrial fibrillation in the patients will be prescribed with anticoagulant medications in order to not form the clots which might lead to heart attacks. When patients are prescribed with Warfarin they will have blood tests regularly for monitoring INR. Patients normally will know their blood pressure measurements. Similarly, they need to monitor even the Warfarin dosage and the INR value.
The value of INR is around 1.0 in healthy people. For those patients who are under the anticoagulant medications, the INR should be between 2 and 3 in those who have atrial fibrillation.  The INR will be between 3 and 4 for patients with mechanical heart values. But, the ideal value for INR for every patient might vary. If the INR value is very high like if it is higher than 4 then it says that clotting of blood is very low which causes risk of uninterrupted bleeding. Even if INR value is less than 2, it might not provide enough of defense against clotting.
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