Heart Health: FOODS TO AVOID WHEN TAKING ORAL ANTICOAGULANTS
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Heart Health: FOODS TO AVOID WHEN TAKING ORAL ANTICOAGULANTS

Post by on Thursday, August 5, 2021

First slide
Many heart patients especially those with valve replacements or those having atrial fibrillation due to valve diseases are on oral anti-coagulants like warfarin. In these patients an increased intake of dietary vitamin K can reduce the anticoagulant response which can especially occur in patients consuming dark green vegetables or vitamin K-containing supplements (as a part of weight-reduction diets). Thus those on oral anti-coagulants should not partake more than three servings of dark green vegetables per week.  If Vitamin K is absolutely necessary it may be recommended to keep vitamin K intake consistent on a daily basis. Avoid sudden changes in the intake of foods and vitamins containing vitamin K. 
1. Green leafy vegetables – Kale (Gobhi), Cabbage, Spinach (Palak), Brussels sprouts, Parsley, Collard greens, Mustard greens (Sarson), Endive, Red cabbage.
2. Fruits – Mango, Avocado
3. Drinks – Green tea, soy milk 
4. Fruit juice like cranberry juice ( can raise INR), grape fruit juice
5. Alcohol can raise INR level; especially avoid binge drinking 
6. Cooking oils with high vitamin K content; rapeseed (canola), soybean, and olive oil
7. Cheese, Livers
8. Vitamin K supplements
9. Vitamin E supplements can affect INR 
10. Calcium supplements taken 2-3 times / day can reduce the absorption of oral anticoagulation
11. Fish oils; Cod liver oil & omega 3 can impact INR
12. Unknown herbal remedies
13. Sudden change in fat content of diet should be avoided
14. Tobacco and marijuana use
Dr. SUNDEEP MISHRA, 
Prof of Cardiology, AIIMS Delhi