What is the typical INR goal for a patient on warfarin?

The typical international normalized ratio (INR) goal for a patient on warfarin is 2-3, which is considered the standard therapeutic range for most indications. This INR target is established to balance the effectiveness of warfarin in preventing thromboembolic events, such as strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation or those with venous thromboembolism, against the risk of hemorrhagic complications associated with excessive anticoagulation.

For patients requiring anticoagulation for conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or atrial fibrillation, maintaining an INR within this 2-3 range is generally optimal. It provides sufficient anticoagulation to minimize clot formation while reducing the risk of severe bleeding.

Higher INR targets, such as 3-4 or 4-5, may be applicable in specific cases, like certain mechanical heart valve replacements or in patients with more complex comorbidities, but these are less common and require close monitoring due to an increased risk of bleeding. Similarly, an INR target of 1-2 is typically too low for therapeutic anticoagulation, as it does not provide adequate protection against thromboembolic risks.