Is Warfarin Intake Necessary For Daily Use To Prevent Stroke?

I have been diagnosed with AF ,and have been prescribed warfarin,for the prevention of a stroke,I have had this all explained to me ,but as I have suffered from palpitations for the past 28 yrs,how come that I now have to very reluctantly takthese drugs?.I am not happy about this situation,has this decision come about because of my age ,which is 78.B.Owen