Influencing factors of oral warfarin dependency and countermeasures for patients with cardiac valve replacement

AIM To study the main influencing factors of oral warfarin dependency in patients with cardiac valve replacement and present corresponding countermeasures. METHODS The present investigation chose patients with prosthetic heart valve replacement in our department who were followed up for two full years. The investigation was conducted by calling patients at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after their operation. Comparision was performed of the ratio of taking warfarin on time, on dosage, and regular periodic reviewz in patients with different genders, ages, geographic regions, and educational backgrounds. RESULTS The ratio of taking warfarin on time, on dosage, and regular periodic review in female patients was significantly higher than that in male patients. Significant dependency on oral anticoagulation warfarin was found in patients under 18 years old and the ratio of taking warfarin on time and having regular periodic review in patients between 19 to 60 years old was lower than that in other groups. There was no significant difference in medication dependency between urban and rural patients; however, their medication dependency was somewhat correlated with their educational backgrounds or their family members. CONCLUSION Oral warfarin dependency in patients with cardiac valve replacement is influenced by gender, age, and educational background. Individually tailored telephone follow-up of medication can significantly improve patients’oral warfarin dependency.