Thoughts on Discontinuing Warfarin

Dear Dr. Cutler,
I’m 81 years old and have gotten off all my prescriptions except warfarin (blood thinner) and Metoprolol (for blood pressure). Now, I’ve informed my doctor I intend to get off the warfarin, but he worries about a stroke.

However, I recently had cataract surgery on both eyes and I was off warfarin for 30 days each time. I intend to start taking nattokinase and continue with my anticoagulation blood tests. As long as they’re in the safe range, I’ll discontinue the warfarin. Would you give me your opinion about my decisions?
—Marvin P.

Dear Marvin,

Obviously, I can’t dispense medical advice to you from your letter alone. You should always seek the advice of a medical professional in your area, and if you question what that doctor has to say, you should see another doctor to get a second opinion—preferably from a natural health physician near you.

However, I can tell you that without the warfarin to thin your blood, you’ll have approximately a 2.5 percent higher risk per year of having a stroke. But don’t forget, your risk of internal bleeding with an injury may exceed that. Yes, nattokinase is a great natural way to keep blood from clotting, but unlike warfarin, the results are difficult to track with anticoagulation blood tests.

All the best!
Michael Cutler, M.D.