Heart Attack Support Group

I have been on warfarin for 4 years. I have Factor V Leiden, the inherited trait of blood clotting.

Warfarin will not prevent heart attacks caused by fatty deposits blocking the coronary arteries. I just had a heart attack 6 months ago, at age 61.

Taking warfarin is not a big deal. However, take only Tylenol for pain (not aspirin or Aleve) and do your homework on the internet and with your doctor about taking any other medicines that interact with warfarin, a.k.a. coumadin.

Avoid large amounts in one sitting of green vegetables, like broccoli and brussel sprouts. Green vegetables help your liver produce Vitamin K that makes blood clotting platelets(sp?) - something you want to avoid. Also avoid vitamin pills with large amounts of Vitamin K, as well as alcohol.

I avoid eating fats to prevent further arterial fat deposits. Thus, I use Promise margarine instead of butter and no longer eat ice cream (sorbet only). I don't eat red meat, but do eat poultry and fish. I also eat soy burgers and find I like them.

Feel free to e-mail me any time.
mtalbertcpa@yahoo.com


P.S. A friend of mine is a medical researcher and works for Myriad Genetics in Salt Lake City. They have developed a warfarin substitute, but they have not had the funds to finish testing. Their substitute will allow you to live a normal life without any of the current warfarin restrictions.

I was put on warfarin after my heart attack 3 years ago and was told that it was to prevent a stroke, you have to have your INR checked regularly to make sure your blood isn't getting too thick or too thin, kind of a pain in the butt, but if it saves your life it is worth it.