Gender and Racial Characteristics of Patients Referred to a Tertiary Atrial Fibrillation Center

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Atrial Fibrillation Centers (AFCs) are emerging to manage atrial fibrillation (AF).
• Existing research indicates potential disparities, with women and racial minorities less likely to receive aggressive AF therapies.
• Understanding the demographic characteristics of patients within AFCs is crucial for addressing these disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the gender and racial demographics of patients attending the University of Virginia (UVA) Atrial Fibrillation Center (AFC) between 2004 and 2008.
• To compare the clinical characteristics of men and women referred to the UVA AFC.
• To assess the representation of racial minorities within the UVA AFC population compared to other outpatient clinics.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 1664 consecutive initial patient visits to the UVA AFC from 2004-2008.
• Multivariable regression analysis to compare clinical characteristics between patient groups.
• Comparison of racial demographics within the AFC to other UVA outpatient clinics.

Main Results:

• Twice as many men as women were referred to the UVA AFC (570 vs. 1094).
• Women referred were older (68.0 vs. 62.4 years) and reported more palpitations (80% vs. 73%), but had fewer comorbidities.
• African American patients constituted 2.8% of AFC visits, significantly lower than their 7.4% representation in other UVA AF outpatient clinics.

Conclusions:

• The demographic profile of patients at a tertiary AFC differs from the general population.
• Women and racial minorities are underrepresented in this tertiary AFC population.
• Women patients at the AFC presented with fewer comorbidities and symptoms than anticipated based on general epidemiology.