Self-management is important in many chronic illnesses, including anticoagulation therapy. This treatment often involves more than patient skills alone. Slaughter and Jweied noted that the choice of replacement heart valve has alternated many times during the past 40 years. The reason for the change is related to the balance between prosthesis longevity and the need for anticoagulation therapy. Bioprosthetic valves do not require continuous anticoagulation therapy but their expected life can be less than the patient's. Anticoagulation therapy for mechanical valves, noted the authors, carries the risk of bleeding or thromboembolism. Research shows progress toward a mechanical valve that has a reduced thrombotic risk, which may reduce the anticoagulation therapy requirements. Patient self-management of anticoagulation therapy results in more effective therapy with lower doses of anticoagulants. The current trend is more frequent use of bioprosthetic valves; however, this trend may again reverse, as therapy for mechanical valves is refined.

VALUE OF STUDY TO READER: We often talk about the use of peak flow meters to monitor asthma or blood glucose meters for tracking diabetes. This article described the importance of mechanical valves and self-management for controlling anticoagulation therapy.

MS Slaughter, E Jweied. Managing mechanical valves with reduced anticoagulation.
Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy, 2007;5:1073-1085.