Death and defeat: Joseph Stalin suffered atherosclerosis due to his heavy smoking. Early morning on March 1 Stalin went to bed. At dawn Stalin did not leave his bedroom. His guards found it unusual that Stalin didn't wake up at his usual time. They were under orders to not disturb Stalin and left him alone for the rest of the day.
In patients with previous arterial embolism, only 4 daily doses of warfarin should be withheld preoperatively and the INR should be measured the day before surgery to determine if a small dose of vitamin K is needed to accelerate the reversal of anticoagulation.
Warfarin prevents blood from clotting so it may take longer than usual for you to stop bleeding if you are cut or injured. Avoid activities or sports that have a high risk of causing injury. Call your doctor if bleeding is unusual or if you fall and get hurt, especially if you hit your head.