A prospective, randomized trial to compare the time taken to achieve a therapeutic INR upon re-starting warfarin at a "loading" dose (namely 1.5 times the "maintenance" dose for 3 days) compared to the known "maintenance" dose.

Patients will be identified via the University of Alberta Hospital Anticoagulation Management Service. Following the receipt of written, informed consent, patients will be randomized to re-start warfarin at their "maintenance" dose or at a "loading" dose (1.5 times the maintenance dose for 3 days, then resumption of warfarin dosing as per the maintenance dose). Randomization will be performed on-line through the EPICORE Centre.

Assuming Day 1 is the day warfarin is re-started, patients will have INRs done on day 3 and at least every 2 days thereafter until a therapeutic INR is obtained. In addition, protein C, protein S and factor II levels will be obtained while the patient is on stable maintenance dosing of warfarin (i.e., prior to holding warfarin for the procedure), 7 days after re-starting warfarin, and 14 days after re-starting warfarin. Complete blood counts (CBCs) will be done with each INR if the patient is taking a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). Patients will have their anticoagulant therapy managed by the AMS for 6 weeks and will receive a telephone follow-up by the AMS at 90 days to determine if any bleeding or clotting complications occurred.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Have 'stable warfarin maintenance dosing' (defined as last 2 INRs within therapeutic range with weekly warfarin dosing not being changed any more than 10%)
• Have an INR indicative of not taking any warfarin (INR <1.4) or confirmation of the patient not taking any warfarin in the past 4 days
• Provide written, informed consent