Indications for warfarin

Unlike direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs), the dose of warfarin does not vary with the indication for anticoagulation; it is determined by the target international normalised ratio (INR) (see Dosage). Common indications for warfarin include:

• prevention of stroke in patients with prior myocardial infarction and increased embolic risk (see Mural thrombus following myocardial infarction)
• patients with atrial fibrillation and a moderate to high risk of stroke or systemic embolism (see Warfarin to prevent thromboembolic events in atrial fibrillation)
• thromboembolism prophylaxis for patients with either rheumatic mitral stenosis and/or a mechanical heart valve
• secondary prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism
• venous thromboembolism treatment
• idiopathic arterial clots that are not associated with atrial fibrillation; seek specialist advice
• adjunct therapy of coronary artery occlusion; seek specialist advice.

For advice on periprocedural interruption of warfarin therapy, see Periprocedural use of warfarin.