According to information gathered from a recent survey, 67 percent of people within the senior age group (65 years of age or older) do not recognize the signs of atrial fibrillation (AF). This means that as much as two-thirds of the population of older adults in the United States does not recognize the type of irregular heartbeat that is characterized by AF.

This also means that it may be one of the reasons why so many older adults suffer from strokes without doing anything in an effort to prevent it. This survey was conducted by the Stroke Association. According to Steve Benveniste, who is the campaigns officer at the Stroke Association: “Atrial fibrillation increases your risk of stroke by up to five times and around 12,500 strokes a year are thought to be directly linked to the condition.”

Atrial Fibrillation symptoms are characterized by the condition itself in that the earliest symptoms are often heart palpitations (or a fluttering in the chest). A fast and irregular heart beat may also occur (fast being more than 140 beats a minute). Other symptoms of AF may also include shortness of breath, chest discomfort, light headedness, fainting or fatigue. There are various medications that are used to treat AF in patients, some of which look to help prevent the strokes. Medications like Warfarin and Multaq may be prescribed to patients suffering from AF. However, Multaq has recently been hit with stricter restrictions by the FDA because of the drug’s severe adverse side effects.

Multaq has been proven to cause some patients to suffer from liver failure as well as a worsening of their heart condition. Because of that, the drug has been recalled in France, and many are calling for it to be recalled in the United States as well.

If you have developed liver failure or a worsening heart condition after taking Multaq, contact attorney Greg Jones today for a free consultation. I am experienced at fighting Multaq lawsuits and may be able to help you recover money for your injuries.