An anticoagulant is a medication that reduces the ability of clots to form in the blood. Anticoagulants are often also called blood thinners.
The clinic is staffed by registered nurses who specialize in the care and management of patients who are taking anticoagulants for either short-term or long-term use. The nurses work with Heart Institute cardiologists to manage patients' medications based on their lab results. An International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the blood test used to determine how quickly a person’s blood clots.
Clinic staff work in conjunction with other health care providers, such as your family physician and cardiologist.
What to expect
Clinic staff:
- Determine, monitor, and manage the amount of medication patients should take based on blood testing results
- Monitor lab results and set times for repeat blood testing
- Adjust dosage, as necessary, and check for possible drug interactions
- Educate patients and family
- Communicate with family physicians and/or cardiologists
Clinic staff work with patients to determine the best method of communication for follow-up. The standard approach is by an automated call system.
Patient instructions
Please provide any prescribed or over-the-counter medications or supplements you take for review when you speak with the nurse.
Please have your questions written down so we can make sure all your concerns are addressed when you speak with the nurse.
Patient resources
- Coming for a clinic appointment
- The Anticoagulation Medication (pdf) pamphlet provides information on Warfarin (Coumadin®) and other oral anticoagulant medications.
Referrals
Referrals may be faxed to 613-696-7157.