What a lot in the blood test is the norm. What is INR blood test? INR in a laboratory blood test

INR (or international normalized ratio) is one of the most important blood characteristics used to assess the functioning of a patient's circulatory system.

INR in a laboratory blood test - what is it

A laboratory study of blood allows you to determine many parameters indicating the presence or absence of signs of pathological processes. When a mixture of calcium and tissue thromboplastin is added to the plasma, the process of fibrin clot formation begins. The interval required for a clot to form is called prothrombin time.

By dividing the measured prothrombin time by the normal (control, standard) and raising the result to the power of the international sensitivity index (MIC), depending on the type of reagent used in the study, the INR value is obtained.

What does the INR of blood show?

The INR shows whether there are deviations from the normal blood clotting indices. If the value is too high, it means that the blood clotting for too long, which entails increased risks of bleeding (internal and external), posing a threat to health. If the analysis shows that the INR is below the norm, the blood clots in an abnormally short period of time, and there is a high likelihood of clogging of blood vessels with blood clots.

In cases where the analysis showed significant deviations from the INR reference indices, it becomes necessary to hospitalize the patient for whom a therapeutic course is indicated, or to correct the treatment. Threats to health are posed by both upward and downward changes in INR; such a symptomatic phenomenon is often associated with side effects of taking medications, complications of many diseases.

In what cases is an INR analysis prescribed?

One of the most reliable analyzes, allowing to draw a conclusion about the functioning of the blood coagulation system, is prescribed for:

conducting a preoperative examination, diagnosing diseases accompanied by the formation of blood clots, increased bleeding;
taking coagulants, anticoagulants (in order to control / adjust the dosage of drugs);
hepatitis, cirrhosis, other severe liver diseases;
antiphospholipid syndrome;
carrying out therapy for pulmonary embolism, venous thrombosis, heart attack;
monitoring the patient's condition after cardiac valve implantation;
an increased risk of postoperative complications associated with changes in blood clotting;
regular nose, gum bleeding, hematomas, heavy, prolonged menstruation in women;
soreness, induration, swelling of the articular tissues, manifested during anticoagulant treatment;
cancer diseases;
pregnancy;
hematuria, detection of blood in feces, vomit, sputum,.

How is the analysis done?

Preparation

In order to avoid distortion of the results, intensive psychoemotional, physical activity, physical procedures, massage, injections, intravenous infusions are excluded before laboratory blood tests.

The recommended interval between the last intake of anticoagulants and blood donation is at least 12 hours. It is necessary to refuse food intake 8 - 12 hours before the examination (from smoked, fatty foods, coffee, tea, smoking - not less than a day, from alcohol - not less than three days before the procedure). The list of relative contraindications includes the menstrual period in women.

If the patient is in critical condition (there is a threat to life), contraindications are not taken into account, the examination is performed immediately (and repeated with the required regularity).

Laboratory analysis

Venous blood sampling is carried out mainly in the morning. If venous intervention is difficult (due to contraindications, restrictions associated with injuries, individual anatomical features), blood is taken from a finger.

Blood (the volume is determined by the type of equipment) is placed in the device for measuring INR, after which the device calculates the value of the indicator. The time required for transferring the results to the patient ranges from several minutes to several days.

Home examination

In order to monitor INR at home, special portable devices (coagulometers) equipped with a display are used. The set of accessories is supplemented with disposable sterile scarifiers, test strips, cotton wool, alcohol.

The finger is pierced with a scarifier after preliminary alcohol treatment of the skin area. The blood applied to the test strip is placed on the sensor of the meter. After a short time interval, the INR meter will display the results on the display.

If, in the presence of indications, a blood test for INR must be taken frequently, then the use of portable equipment is the most appropriate way of research. The advantages of this technique are that the patient does not have to limit himself in movement, there is no need for multiple visits to medical centers.

Coagulometer

What INR indicators are considered normal

The approved INR norms in the laboratory analysis of blood in women, men and children are adjusted individually by a specialized specialist, taking into account the factors that have a significant impact on the diagnostic results.

The acceptable international normalized ratio for adults, calculated in laboratory research, is 0.7 - 1.3 (the optimal result is 1). INR norms are relevant for a patient who does not have serious pathologies and does not take indirect medications that affect blood clotting.

The INR rate during pregnancy is from 0.8 to 1.25. For pregnant women, it is normal for a slight fluctuation in the indicator in the later stages.

If the patient takes indirect anticoagulants, the permissible normal values shift and are in the range from 2.0 to 3.0. In the presence of valve implants, confirmed antiphospholipid syndrome, INR values from 2.5 to 3.5 are considered normal.

One of the factors on which the INR rate depends is the patient's age. The table contains the limits of the norm of the indicator in men and women.

Depending on the results of comprehensive examinations and the list of medications used, the attending physician may establish norms for the patient that are slightly different from those presented in the table.

MHO deviations from the norm

Increased rate

An increase in INR indicates:

liver disease;
vitamin K deficiency;
digestive disruptions (destabilization of bile transport, fat absorption);
congenital pathologies of the blood coagulation system;
side effects after taking antibiotic, hormonal complexes, anabolic steroid drugs;
the presence of bleeding;
exacerbation of hypertension;
polycythemia;
preinfarction or;
progressive oncology;
the need to change the dosage of "Warfarin", other medications that help thin the blood.

With an INR greater than 6, immediate therapeutic measures are required due to the high risk of bleeding.

Lowered INR

A decrease in the INR indicator can be caused by:

the use of certain subspecies (glucocorticoids, diuretics, contraceptives, anticonvulsants) drugs;
increased antithrombin (III) level;
change in hematocrit;
, thromboembolic complications;
the consequences of childbirth, operations, traumatic injuries;
severe disorders of the functioning of the immune system;
excessive content of vitamin K in the body;
cancer diseases;
DIC syndrome;
taking blood from a catheter installed in the central vein;
insufficient filling of the test tube with biomaterial or insufficient thorough mixing of blood with an anticoagulant, additional substances entering the biological fluid under study, distorting the results;
violation of the conditions (duration, temperature) of plasma storage.

If the calculated INR value is below 0.5, the patient needs medical attention, since when the blood clotting level rises to critical values, the resulting blood clots can provoke irreversible circulatory disorders.

With an increased or decreased INR value, repeated examinations are required to exclude the factor of laboratory error.

INR of blood- This is one of the main indicators of a blood coagulogram analysis. A coagulogram allows you to examine blood according to 2 parameters: to determine the rate of its coagulation and to identify the level of fibrinogen in it.

The clotting rate is determined by the INR test (international normalized ratio), in another way the INR is also called a test for the level of prothrombin (a protein that characterizes the process of blood clotting). This test is done by comparing a patient's blood sample with a standard blood sample.

How is INR level and blood clotting rate interrelated? It's very simple: the lower the INR level, the higher the blood clotting rate (blood is thicker) and, conversely, the higher the INR, the lower the clotting rate (the blood is more liquid).

The INR test is an effective method for diagnosing and controlling diseases that are directly related to an increase in blood density and the formation of blood clots in blood vessels: pulmonary embolism, thrombophlebitis, as well as complications arising from myocardial infarction and coronary insufficiency.

In medicine, there are specially adopted blood INR norms, which differ depending on whether the patient has a particular disease:

In healthy people, the INR rate is: 0,85 — 1,25 .
If the patient is sick with pulmonary embolism, then the INR norm in his case is: 2,0 — 3,0 .
In the presence of a heart defect or venous thrombosis, the norm: 2,0 — 3,0 .
In case of vascular pathologies, the INR rate: 3,0 — 4,5 .

An increase or decrease in these indicators entails serious consequences for the whole organism.

Increasing and decreasing INR: causes and consequences

Enhancement blood INR level occurs for the following reasons:

Deficiency of factors responsible for blood clotting.
Acute leukemia.
Lack of vitamin K in the body.
The presence of abnormalities in the liver.
The course of treatment with warfarin.
The presence of syndromes: DIC, antiphospholipid, toxic shock, nephrotic syndrome.
The presence of adenoma or pancreatic cancer.
Malabsorption.
Insufficiency of the heart muscle.
Obstruction of the biliary tract. Jaundice.

Also, the intake of alcoholic beverages, certain medications and fatty foods can increase the INR level. The main consequence of an increase in INR is the threat of bleeding (both internal and external).

Downgrade blood INR level occurs:

In the last trimester of pregnancy.
At the initial stage of deep vein thrombosis.
With increased activity of factor VII.
With DIC syndrome.
In the presence of a benign blood tumor.

Vomiting, diarrhea, an excess of vitamin K (if taken with food) and some medications can reduce INR. A low INR level threatens the formation of blood clots.

INR rate when taking warfarin

Determination of the INR level is a mandatory procedure for patients taking a special drug to slow down the blood clotting process (warfarin) due to the fact that their body is prone to increased formation of blood clots. These patients have their own INR norms.

First, let's figure out what kind of drug it is. Warfarin Is an anticoagulant that reduces the rate of blood clotting. It is prescribed to patients with diseases and conditions in which the occurrence of blood clots is especially dangerous: various thrombosis, the presence of heart prostheses, pathology of the valves of the heart muscle, myocardial infarction, pulmonary artery embolism, heart rhythm disturbances.

The action of this drug is as follows: the process of absorption of the drug takes place in the stomach and small intestine; getting into the bloodstream, warfarin reduces the formation of factors in the body that contribute to blood clotting. Due to this, the blood clotts more slowly, becomes more liquid, and the risk of blood clots is reduced.

INR rate when treated with warfarin: 2,0-3,0 ... Warfarin is taken once a day. Its dose is always selected individually, and sometimes the process of selecting the appropriate dosage can last up to 3 weeks. At this time, the patient needs to regularly determine his INR indicator. When the required dose of the drug is selected, then the INR should be checked every 2 weeks.

Attention! In the following cases, an additional check of the INR level must be carried out: during the treatment of colds, when changing the usual diet, after changing the place of residence (moving to another climatic zone).

A decrease in INR threatens the development of a stroke, and an increase leads to cerebral hemorrhage. That is why, when taking warfarin, it is very important not only to constantly monitor the INR (take an analysis in the laboratory or measure the INR at home using a special device), but also always coordinate with the doctor about taking other medications, as well as follow a special diet.

Diet

When treating with warfarin, it is recommended to introduce foods containing an increased amount of vitamin K into the daily diet. This is necessary to weaken the effect of the drug. If vitamin K is not enough, the effect of warfarin will increase and there will be a risk of bleeding.

Increased doses of vitamin K contain (in decreasing order): green tea, spinach, watercress, soy oil, broccoli, lettuce, white cabbage, cabbage lettuce, beef liver, cauliflower, green tomatoes, beans, cheese, cucumbers, zucchini, butter, potatoes and chicken eggs.

In conclusion, we add that if, when taking warfarin, your INR is always within the normal range, this does not mean that you need to stop monitoring it. In any case, the measurement of INR should be carried out regularly, and if symptoms such as a change in the color of feces to black, bleeding from the nose or the appearance of bruises on the body should appear, an urgent need to consult a doctor.

INR is a versatile enough test to learn about changes in blood clotting. It is worth considering in more detail what it is, what results are highlighted, the reasons for the deviations.

In what cases is an INR analysis prescribed?

The International Normalized Ratio is an important laboratory test. With its help, they learn about the prothrombosed state of the patient. Methods of research, different in their characteristics, to determine the index of blood coagulability have taken a certain form over time.

It is the INR blood test that gives reliable results; it has been approved by a number of international organizations and the WHO. In its application, it became possible to monitor the state of health of the patient with the use of special drugs. In particular, these are Sinkumar, Warfarin, or Finilin.

With increased levels of prothrombin, it can be concluded that there is a certain predisposition to bleeding. In this case, the specialist reduces the dosage of anticoagulants (their appointment is necessary with increased formation of blood clots, various pathological changes). A decreased indicator indicates an increase in the risk of these formations. As a result of these results, the medical professional draws conclusions about the ineffectiveness of the drugs used, possibly an increase in dosage.

Analysis results

The blood count for the INR is normal at a value of 0.7 - 1.3, the value fluctuates around one.

Continuous use of Warfarin, or similar anticoagulants, provokes an increase in the INR indicator to 2.0 - 3.0. This value is an excellent prevention of blood clots. In groups of people who do not use these drugs, pathological changes may be observed.

If the value is higher than 1, conclusions can be drawn about possible negative changes in the patient's health:

insufficient intake of vitamin K;
disturbed process of absorption of fats into the intestines;
pathological clotting disorders, which are congenital;
violations in the field of the functional work of the liver;
an adverse reaction of the body to taking anti-gout drugs, anabolic steroids, or steroids.

Important! An increase in INR is dangerous for the possible development of various kinds of bleeding. If the indicator has reached the point of 6.0, this is the most critical value for human life.

With surges of hypertension, vascular, urinary disorders, or the inflammatory process of the gastrointestinal tract, the situation is only aggravated. In this situation, immediate hospitalization is needed with a further course of effective therapy.

Low coagulability

The opposite situation occurs when the indicator falls below 1. There are a number of reasons that provoke this phenomenon:

excessive increase in antithrombin 3.
change in the normal level;
possible technical errors when taking blood using a catheter;
a reduced value of the indicator is observed as a side effect from some diuretics, contraceptives or anticonvulsants;
This situation is typical for those technical cases of error, when the blood plasma at a temperature was at a temperature of more than 4 degrees for a long time.

With the regular intake of special medications, the intervention of the attending physician is necessary, a change in dosage.

Important! A reduced level of blood clotting leads to the development of all sorts of bleeding.

This situation will become a permanent phenomenon even with minor mechanical damage, injury, or illness. In women, this phenomenon provokes internal bleeding during physiological processes, in particular during critical days.

There is an increased likelihood of blood clots and serious illnesses. In such a situation, experts decide to increase the dose of drugs - anticoagulants.

Indications

A blood test for INR is carried out for a special purpose. Depending on the underlying disease, normal results are determined.

There are a number of conditions for which this examination is characteristic:

the period of time before the operation. The indicator is in the range of 0.7 - 1.5;
when taking special drugs prescribed for blood thinning, this procedure is necessary;
in the treatment of pulmonary embolism, as well as as a preventive safety measure. An indicator of 2.0 - 3.0 is considered the norm. To a greater extent, this concerns the treatment of the heart;
in cases of mitral valve replacement with special mechanical implants. For this situation, an indicator of 2.5 - 3.5 is considered the norm;
the most optimal value of the indicator (2.0 - 3.0) is observed when the aortic valve is replaced by the same method;
as a prophylaxis, the procedure is carried out after the completed course of therapy, surgical intervention in the area of thrombotic deep veins.

Experts identify several symptoms, the appearance of which indicates the need for an analysis:

a sharp change in lifestyle, diet;
change of climatic conditions of residence;
colds, other diseases for a long period of time;
frequent bleeding;
the appearance of hematomas in different areas of the skin;
the presence of bloody discharge in the feces;
with the release of sputum, vomiting, spotting is present;
critical days in the female are abundant, more prolonged discharge.

How to get tested

It is worth noting that a blood test for INR is carried out using several methods:

the attending physician directs the patient for an analysis to a private or local clinic;
the analysis can be carried out independently, constantly monitoring your health. For these purposes, you should purchase a portable device;
it is possible to conduct a test in a therapy room, if the necessary medical equipment is present.

The self-control option is often used. After all, this is not only time saving, but also regularity. The mechanism of the procedure is quite simple, which allows you to carry out it yourself at home. To do this, you should take fresh blood from your finger using a scarifier. This device is equipped with a special display into which two strips are inserted. It is on their surface that human blood is applied. The duration of the procedure is short enough that it will not take much of your time. The indicator with the results will be highlighted on the display of the device.

This portable device is lightweight and allows you to regularly monitor your clotting performance. This technique has been approved by medical experts.

conclusions

In order to protect your health, you need to monitor it, carry out a number of preventive procedures. For these purposes, an INR blood test is used. Deviations from the norm indicate a number of pathological changes that should be treated immediately.

Timely consultation with a specialist, the appointment of an analysis, then a course of therapy, are necessary for a healthy, normal life.

In the study of blood clotting, an important indicator is the INR rate - the international normalized ratio. The indicator allows you to measure the rate of sedimentation of blood cells and the formation of clots. The marker is constantly monitored by doctors in the case of special therapy, which is aimed at preventing blood clots.

Blood clotting - a protective reaction of the body

What does INR show?

The international normalized ratio shows the state of the blood coagulation system - hemostasis. The measurement takes place by means of special calculations, in which the prothrombin index (PTI) and the international thromboplastin sensitivity index (MIC) take part. Thanks to the INR, it is possible to accurately determine the amount of prothrombin in the blood and its compliance with the reference values.

Indications for taking the analysis

An INR test is prescribed to assess when it is necessary to determine the cause of severe bleeding or, conversely, an increased level of blood clots.

The main indications for such a blood test are:

control of treatment with direct anticoagulants (blood thinners);
severe pathological changes in the liver - cirrhosis, hepatitis;
therapy with indirect anti-thrombotic drugs;
cardiac and vascular pathologies - the results of the analysis are of great importance for atrial fibrillation (atrial fibrillation), ischemia, stroke;
pregnancy;
gestosis.

Using this method of blood testing, doctors can timely identify abnormalities in the patient's condition and prescribe corrective treatment. And in the case of constant use of the drug Warfarin or other anticoagulants, the required dose of the drug is selected according to the INR level.

Where to donate blood for INR?

It is possible to accurately determine the level of blood clotting by evaluating prothrombin according to Quick and INR, therefore, when choosing a medical institution, this must be taken into account.

You can donate blood both in a private laboratory (for a fee) and in a regular clinic, if the level of qualifications of specialists and the availability of equipment allows.

Instrument for self-analysis INR

It is quite possible to conduct a study at home, but for this you need to buy a special apparatus - an express coagulometer. This option is more suitable for people who are constantly taking medications to reduce blood clotting. If a one-time test is required, it is better to contact the laboratory.

Preparation for analysis

The reliability of the INR test results is always accurate, the main thing is to properly prepare for the delivery of biological material.

The last meal should be 7–8 hours before the procedure, as the biomaterial is taken on an empty stomach.
A day before the manipulation, do not overwork the body with heavy physical activity, avoid stress and emotional overstrain.
Do not carry out medical procedures - exclude droppers, injections - 48–72 hours before the procedure.

When taking anticoagulants on a regular basis, it is recommended to drink the daily dose 10-12 hours before the study.

How is the INR test carried out?

A blood test or coagulogram to assess the state of homeostasis takes place in several stages.

The collection of biological material is carried out from a vein at the elbow bend.
The resulting blood is placed in a glass test tube and diluted with a preservative - citrate.
The settled blood cells are separated from the plasma. The function of citrate at this stage is to bind calcium ions and prevent clotting.
PTI is calculated. With the help of thromboplastin, the effect of the preservative is neutralized and the clotting rate of the already pure plasma is monitored.
The international normalized ratio is calculated using the mathematical method.

Research time - 2-3 hours. Results can be obtained in the evening or the next day.

INR rate and interpretation of results

Normal values in healthy people who do not take anticoagulants differ from the acceptable values for patients who regularly use anti-thrombotic drugs. Slightly different meanings, during pregnancy, and sometimes there are differences in age.

Table "Norm of INR for different categories of people"

Deviations of the INR in the coagulogram towards a decrease or increase indicate the development of negative deviations in the patient's body.

When is the INR rate for women different from men?

Normal INR values in women may differ from those in men if the woman's hormonal background is undergoing changes. This happens in 2 cases:

during pregnancy;
when taking hormonal contraceptives.

In such situations, the values can greatly exceed the reference limits. If there is a constant increase, there is a need for special therapy.

Reasons for deviations from the norm

An increase or decrease in the international normalized ratio indicates the development of pathological conditions in the body.

Table "Causes of deviations from the norm"

Decrease in indicators	An increase in the amount of antithrombin
	Negative effect on blood clotting of diuretics, contraceptive drugs
	Hematocrit disorders
	Increased blood viscosity
	An incorrectly selected dose of anticoagulants (if there is a regular intake of such drugs)
Increasing values	Lack of vitamin K in the body
	Liver disease
	Disturbances in the normal absorption of fat in the intestines
	Deviations in the work of hemostasis at the genetic level
	Negative reaction of the body to indirect anticoagulants

Range of INR values depending on the dose of warfarin

Regardless of whether the indicators are above the norm or below, an appointment with a doctor is mandatory. A high level of INR is dangerous for external and internal bleeding, and a low level is dangerous for thromboembolic complications.

Question answer

Warfarin analogs that do not require INR control

Among the indirect anticoagulants, Warfarin is considered the most effective. It slows down blood clotting and increases INR. The only inconvenience of Warfarin is the constant monitoring of the international normalized ratio - once a week with unstable indicators and once every 14 days if the values have returned to normal. Therefore, the patient is given preference to analogs that do not require constant monitoring of the INR.

The most effective substitutes - Ksarelto and Pradaxa, are prescribed for:

thromboembolism;
suffered a stroke;
thrombosis.

Such analogs are not suitable for the treatment of lesions of the heart valves and in the presence of artificial valves. In addition, the replacement of Warferon with analogues is not carried out without the supervision of a doctor.

The INR indicator helps to study the state of hemostasis and determine the rate of blood clotting. The marker is especially important for anticoagulant therapy. Here, the international normalized attitude allows you to monitor the patient's condition and adjust the dose of drugs in time. You can take an analysis for such a marker both in a specialized laboratory, a polyclinic at the place of residence, and at home.

In modern medicine, there are many studies that give doctors an idea of the patient's condition, an INR blood test, which is of interest to absolutely all people who are faced with the need to take it. This analysis is necessary to assess the qualitative properties of human blood, which, as a result, allows you to prevent a huge number of diseases associated with the cardiovascular system.

INR of blood stands for International Normalized Ratio. For most people who are not familiar with medical terminology, this is just a collection of words. In simple terms, the INR test is a mandatory procedure for people who constantly take blood thinners.

Blood plays a huge role in the human body and has a certain set of properties, among which anti-clotting properties and fluidity. If one of these properties is violated, a person begins to show unpleasant symptoms, for example, bleeding of the gums, frequent nosebleeds, or an increased tendency to form blood clots. That is, the blood becomes either very thin or clotted too quickly. The body is not saturated with the necessary amount of vitamins and macronutrients, which are transported with the blood to the organs.

To eliminate the pathological state of the blood, special drugs are prescribed. To control the quality properties of blood, as well as to note the effect of drugs used by patients on its clotting, doctors prescribe a blood test.

Among other indications for passing the INR analysis, it can be noted:

pregnancy;
planned operations, after which the patient may lose a lot of blood;
liver disease;
blood clotting problems;
ischemia of the heart;
suspicion of a heart attack;
period after a stroke;
autoimmune disorders;
varicose veins;
thrombosis and thrombophlebitis;
the need to select drugs based on acetylsalicylic acid;
the appointment of new oral contraceptives to normalize hormones.

It is impossible to ignore the purpose of the INR analysis, because timely diagnosis can reveal a pathological condition at an early stage and quickly eliminate it.

Where can the analysis be done and how is it done?

An INR test can be taken in any clinic, providing a referral from a doctor; today, there are even small portable devices for the study of INR blood, which a person can use at home. This is very convenient, especially for people who are constantly on medications that will improve the quality of blood. Blood for INR is donated by patients using anticoagulants every two weeks; there are a number of cases when blood has to be donated much more often.

This test is done by drawing blood from a peripheral vein. In order for the analysis indicators to be reliable, the patient must exclude fatty foods per day, do not consume alcoholic beverages. Alcohol leads to an increase in blood coagulation rates and a decrease in INR values. If a person does not suffer from alcoholism, then the indicators are not reliable, because usually the body does not stay under the influence of alcohol.

As for alcohol addicts, they have a reverse reaction - blood clotting decreases, and INR increases. If the patient uses drugs for the treatment of concomitant diseases, then the appropriateness of their use on the eve of the analysis is decided with the doctor on an individual basis. There are a number of medications that can interfere with the diagnostic procedure and distort the indicators. The analysis is done in the morning on an empty stomach, you cannot drink juices and coffee, it is advisable to drink only water.

The process of blood sampling is practically no different from the usual blood sampling from a vein, the only difference may be in the amount of blood withdrawn. The doctor ties the patient's hand with a tourniquet so that the vein appears better, disinfects the site of the future puncture and inserts the needle. The resulting blood is sent to a test tube and studied for several hours. The analysis is almost painless, but if you fainted during similar tests, be sure to inform your doctor about it. He will prepare a bottle of ammonia in advance, which quickly revives the fainted. A good piece of advice for sensitive patients is to turn the other way when the doctor draws blood.

Decoding indicators

Deciphering the results of the analysis is made by a doctor who is little familiar with medicine to understand what the indicators mean is quite difficult, although, having bought a portable device for studying INR, at home the patient still has to delve into the norms of indicators in more detail.

A blood test for INR, the rate of which is fixed, has its own indicators for different age groups:

less than 3 days - 1.15-1.35;
3 days - 1 month - 1.05-1.35;
1 month - 1 year - 0.86-1.22;
1-6 years old - 0.92-1.14;
6-11 years old - 0.87-1.20;
11-16 years old - 0.97-1.30;
More than 16 years old - 0.8-1.2.

The INR can be increased in cases of prolonged use of indirect anticoagulants, in liver diseases and enteropathies, which lead to a deficiency of vitamin K. Also, the INR in a blood test can be increased in amyloidosis, nephrotic syndrome and acute leukemia. Often, elevated INRs indicate impaired absorption of fats in the intestine, a deviation from the ingress of bile into the duodenum, as well as the development of liver pathologies. In people who do not take anticoagulants, an increase in INR greater than 1.2 may indicate the development or presence of malignant tumors in the body. The patient is assigned how correctly additional diagnostics of internal organs and systems.

If the INR indicator is more than 6.0, the patient is urgently hospitalized, as he may develop bleeding of any localization, which is difficult to stop. This indicator is especially threatening to patients who have concomitant ailments such as ulcers, gastritis or vascular disorders of the brain.

INR decoding, which indicated reduced indicators can be triggered by a thromboembolic state, polycethemia, as well as taking corticosteroids, oral contraceptives, barbiturates. Very often, the INR rate in the blood decreases in the last months of pregnancy, but this is a natural phenomenon, and it does not require correction by doctors, unlike other cases.

It should be noted that a strong decrease in INR in pregnant women can cause congenital hemorrhagic disease in newborns.

An increased INR can be observed in people who are prone to diseases of the cardiovascular system or who have survived surgery. There are a number of indicators of the norm that representatives of certain groups should strive for:

normally in an adult who is not under the influence of anticoagulants, the indicator should be 0.8-1.15;
for people who undergo prevention of blood clots in the heart, as well as with types of atrial fibrillation, the norm is 1.5-2;
in the period after heart surgery, for people undergoing treatment for venous varicose veins, myocardial infarction, thromboembolism of the branches of the pulmonary artery, as well as venous thrombosis of the superficial and deep system, the norm is 2.0-3.0;
with single and multiple thromboembolic lesions of the peripheral main arteries, the normal INR is 3.0-4.0;
after operations on the introduction of prostheses in the heart and new vessels into the body, the normal indicators will be 3-4.5.

Treatment features

Any differences from the above indicators pose a great danger to the patient's health, therefore, they must be corrected by a doctor on an individual basis. After a thorough diagnosis, the doctor chooses drugs that can increase or decrease blood clotting. It is very important not to buy drugs for yourself and not to use prescriptions that were prescribed by your acquaintances with a similar diagnosis. The medicines that work for them can significantly harm you.

You can correct the INR indicators by normalizing the diet. With an increased INR, the patient needs to reduce the amount of foods that contain vitamin K, in particular:

fish;
liver;
spinach;
cabbage;
cauliflower;
broccoli;
Brussels sprouts.

Try not to eat a lot of green vegetables and fresh fruits at a time. If the INR values are lowered, then the patient should act exactly the opposite, that is, consume as many of the above products as possible. Vitamin K leads to increased blood clotting. Having correctly formed the everyday menu, you can constantly keep your INR normal.... Of course, it is not worth giving up all products, because it is with them that the body is saturated with vitamins, it is better to keep the food consumed under control.

To avoid unforeseen situations that can cause sudden bleeding, stroke or other vascular pathologies, take medical examinations as a preventive measure if you have a hereditary disposition to increase INR, as well as diseases of the circulatory system. An INR blood test that you now know this, and you will no longer be at a loss if you are assigned to undergo it. Theoretically savvy means armed; in this case, this statement is just what comes in handy.