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Updated: Mar 28, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
[Anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation in the patient at risk for falls]
Insights
Older adults with atrial fibrillation and fall risk can often safely use oral anticoagulants. Evidence suggests fall risk is not an absolute reason to avoid these stroke-preventing medications.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Cardiology
- Neurology
Abstract:
The incidence of atrial fibrillation increases with age as does the risk of subsequent ischemic stroke. Falls are a frequent problem in the geriatric population and often hamper the clinician in prescribing anticoagulants despite an indication based on the CHA2DS2-VASc score for fear of intracranial bleeding. This paper reviews the evidence on the safety of oral anticoagulants in this population. Based on observational data, being at risk for falls does not appear to be an absolute contraindication to oral anticoagulants.
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