Tag: Mechanical heart valve

Patients with mechanical heart valves require lifelong anticoagulation therapy to prevent the formation of dangerous blood clots. The primary medication used for mechanical heart valves is warfarin, a vitamin K antagonist, which has proven effective in minimizing the risk of thrombosis and thromboembolism. The valve's artificial surface makes it highly prone to clotting, necessitating consistent and careful medication management.

For patients with a mechanical heart valve, lifelong oral anticoagulation is required to prevent life-threatening complications. The specific drug of choice for this condition is warfarin, requiring careful and continuous management. This need arises because the artificial surfaces of the valve are highly thrombogenic, meaning they are prone to forming dangerous blood clots.