Which chronic disease requires regular monitoring of INR levels?

Regular monitoring of INR (International Normalized Ratio) levels is essential in the management of atrial fibrillation because this condition often requires anticoagulation therapy to reduce the risk of stroke. Patients with atrial fibrillation may be prescribed anticoagulants, such as warfarin, which require INR testing to ensure that blood clotting levels remain within a therapeutic range. This monitoring helps prevent both thromboembolic events and complications associated with over-anticoagulation, such as bleeding.

In contrast, the other conditions listed do not typically necessitate routine INR monitoring. Hypertension is primarily managed with blood pressure monitoring and medications that may not affect INR levels. Diabetes mellitus management focuses on blood glucose levels and may involve various medications but does not relate to INR. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) primarily requires monitoring of respiratory function and other parameters rather than coagulation status. Therefore, atrial fibrillation stands out as the chronic disease that specifically requires regular INR level assessments for safe and effective management.