The Globe and Mail Content by: Globe Content Studio Published March 15, 2021
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Atrial fibrillation (AF), which manifests itself as irregular and often rapid heartbeats, is the most common heart rhythm disorder. This electrical issue can lead to life-threatening complications, including heart failure and blood clots that build up in the heart and travel to the brain. The latter may result in miniature strokes that can lead to cognitive impairment.
About 200,000 people in Canada have AF. Approximately 20 to 25 per cent of people with this condition are under age 65 and do not have standard risk factors for stroke.
People over 65 with AF often take blood thinners as a part of their treatment routine. However, no study has proven that blood thinners are effective and safe for younger adults with the same disorder who do not have the standard risk factors for stroke.