What is the target INR for patients receiving warfarin for the treatment of VTE (DVT/PE), AF, cardioversion, dilated cardiomyopathy, mitral stenosis, bioprosthetic heart valves, or MI?

The target international normalized ratio (INR) for patients receiving warfarin for the treatment of various thromboembolic conditions, such as venous thromboembolism (VTE), atrial fibrillation (AF), and others listed, is generally set at 2.0 to 3.0. Many guidelines, including those from the American College of Chest Physicians, recommend a target INR of around 2.5 for the management of these conditions, allowing for effective prevention of clot formation while minimizing the risk of bleeding.

Within this context, an INR of 2.5 is regarded as the optimal therapeutic range that balances the efficacy of anticoagulation while maintaining safety. This range is especially pertinent for conditions like DVT, PE, and AF, where anticoagulation therapy is crucial for preventing further thrombotic events.

Selecting a lower INR target, such as 1.5, would not provide sufficient anticoagulation for these conditions and would increase the risk of thrombus formation. Conversely, a higher target INR such as 3.5 could increase the risk of bleeding complications without significant additional benefit for the conditions identified. Thus, the choice of 2.5 reflects established medical guidelines aimed at optimizing patient outcomes while minimizing