What monitoring is essential when a patient is on anticoagulants?

Monitoring INR (International Normalized Ratio) levels is essential for patients on anticoagulants, particularly those receiving warfarin. The INR is a laboratory measurement that assesses the time it takes for blood to clot compared to a normal baseline and helps ensure that the anticoagulant therapy is effective while minimizing the risk of excessive bleeding. The goal is to maintain the INR within a therapeutic range specific to the condition being treated. Regular INR monitoring allows healthcare providers to adjust the anticoagulant dosage as needed to achieve optimal anticoagulation without compromising patient safety.

While other parameters such as blood glucose, heart rate variability, and electrolytes are important in different clinical contexts, they are not specifically relevant for monitoring the safety and efficacy of anticoagulation therapy.