Accepted Answer

At 50 years old, if the person is taking the coumadin for atrial fibrillation, he or she will likely be on it lifelong.
With chronic atrial fibrillation without anticoagulation, the risk of stroke is significant, however, the risk varies from patient to patient depending on age and other risk factors (enlarged heart/history of congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes for example).

So to answer your question, there is no length of time that is considered too long. This person may need lifelong coumadin unless it becomes too risky for him or her to take it. It becomes too risky if this person becomes high risk for falls.

Let me know if you have any follow up questions.
Dr Abby

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Expert:	Dr. Abby
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	11/2/2009

Board Certified MD

Family Physician, practicing medicine for over 9 years, United States