Many heart patients take anticoagulation medication like Coumadin (warfarin), to help prevent stroke, blood clots, and other problems. These "blood thinners" slow the blood's ability to clot.

The Heart Center of the Rockies Anticoagulation Clinic is designed to manage patients taking the anticoagulant, Coumadin, or the generic name, Warfarin or Jantoven.

The Anticoagulation Clinic is staffed by four registered nurses who are trained in anticoagulation management. Our nurses, Katie, Lisa, Lori and Mary, work closely with the patient's cardiologist to ensure the patient is kept in a safe therapeutic range for their medical condition. The Anticoagulation Clinic nurses provide instructions for Coumadin dosing and testing each time the INR blood test is reviewed.

INR Testing

Heart Center of the Rockies patients may come into the clinic for a finger stick test. This is done by appointment only. The visit takes about 5-10 minutes. Patients receive their test results immediately, and the nurse instructs them on any necessary Coumadin dose adjustments, and when to schedule their next INR test. Patients receive a dosage calendar to follow until their next visit. Patients will have the opportunity to discuss anyanticoagulation related issues with the nurse during the appointment.

Patients may also have their blood drawn at any other laboratory facility and track their results through Heart Center of the Rockies Anticoagulation Clinic. This is helpful for many patients who work or patients who travel frequently.

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Home Monitoring

Many patients have a busy schedule or require frequent INR testing. Some of our patients have found that using a home INR monitor is a very convenient and effective way to test their blood. If you would like to know more about the use of the Coagucheck home INR monitor, please contact the Heart Center of the Rockies and ask for one of the Anticoagulation Clinic Nurses.

The Heart Center of the Rockies Anticoagulation Clinic hours are:

Fort Collins clinic- Monday – Friday 8am to 11am and 1pm to 4pm
Loveland clinic- Tuesday, Thursday - 8am to 11am and 1pm - 4pm,  Friday - open all day