ObjectiveTo explore optimal intensity of oral anticoagulation for patients with prosthetic heart valves in Northeast China. MethodsA total of 856 patients in Northeast China who underwent prosthetic heart valve replacement in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery,Second Hospital of Jilin University from January 2005 to June 2013 were enrolled in this study. There were 406 male and 450 female patients with their age of 45.2±13.3 years. All the patients received low-intensity oral anticoagulation [international normalized ratio (INR) 1.5-2.2,aortic valve replacement (AVR):1.5-1.8,mitral valve replacement (MVR):1.8-2.2]. Patients were followed up after discharge,and the incidence of anticoagulation-related complications was summarized. ResultsThese patients were followed up for 1-78 (18.3±12.2) months,and the follow-up rate was 75.4%. Twelve patients (1.86%) had thromboembolic complications and 10 patients (1.55%) had hemorrhagic complications. Average warfarin dosage was 3.4±0.8 mg/day,and average INR was 1.94±0.54 during follow-up. ConclusionFor patients with prosthetic heart valves in Northeast China,low-intensity anticoagulation can produce satisfactory clinical outcomes to reduce the incidence of anticoagulation-related thromboembolic or hemorrhagic complications.