Center for Heart & Vascular Health

Cardiology

Coumadin Care Center

Safe use of the anticoagulant Coumadin requires careful monitoring and regulation of the drug. At our Coumadin Care Center, we understand the importance of providing such a service to meet the needs of patients taking Coumadin. Christiana Care Cardiology Consultants developed the first Coumadin Care Center in our area.

The Coumadin Care Center is under the supervision of the physicians within Christiana Care Cardiology Consultants. We have a large staff of experienced nurses, medical assistants and technicians.

Using the fingerstick method, we can obtain your Protime blood results within two minutes. At that time, you will receive written results, instructions, and your next appointment will be scheduled. This service is offered by appointment to help expedite your visit.

The Coumadin Care Center will provide you with counseling and educational materials to help you achieve and maintain appropriate Coumadin control.

Most insurance plans will cover these visits. If you have an HMO/PPO, you will need to obtain a referral.

To schedule a visit to our Coumadin Care Center, call 302-366-1929.

If you are on Coumadin

Please inform the receptionist if you are on Coumadin therapy, because you will need to have periodic prothrombin time (Protime) tests. It is important to have a Protime done when specified by your doctor. This will be approximately once every four weeks, once your dose is stabilized.

Please call our office by 3 p.m. the day the test is done for instructions. It may be necessary to adjust your blood-thinner medication.

Always take the exact amount of Coumadin prescribed by your cardiologist—never take more or less. You should not begin taking any additional medications, such as antibiotics or over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin or aspirin-containing medications, without contacting your cardiologist first. These drugs could affect the amount of blood thinner you require and the frequency of your checkups.

On the other hand, do not discontinue taking any medication unless instructed by your cardiologist, as the same problem may occur. Avoid any drastic changes in your eating habits.

Fad or crash diets can affect your response to your anticoagulant therapy.

Let your cardiologist know immediately if you need dental work, surgery or treatment for a severe injury such as a broken bone, or if you develop an infection. Inform your doctor if you develop excessive bleeding from a cut, bleeding from your nose or mouth, or any bleeding that does not stop within a reasonable amount of time. Excessive menstrual bleeding, blood in your urine, red or black bowel movements, or any sudden appearance of black and blue spots on your skin are also important symptoms to bring to your cardiologist's attention.

If you should develop any of these symptoms, just call our office. You may need to stop your anticoagulant medication and schedule a Protime.

To schedule an appointment, contact one of our practice locations or call 302-366-1929.