Sex-Differences in Atrial Fibrillation Patients: Bias or Proper Management?

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Research

Background:

• Existing research on gender-based differences in Atrial Fibrillation (AF) presents conflicting findings regarding the influence of age and comorbidities.
• Understanding these disparities is crucial for effective patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gender-based differences in patients presenting with Atrial Fibrillation (AF).
• To analyze the impact of age and comorbidities on these gender-based differences.
• To identify factors contributing to differential outcomes in AF patients.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study was conducted.
• Data from 327 consecutive patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) between 2014 and 2017 were analyzed.
• One-year follow-up was performed.

Main Results:

• Females with AF were older, had higher BMIs, and more comorbidities (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, valvular heart disease, thyroid dysfunction) than males.
• Males with AF had higher rates of coronary artery disease and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
• After adjusting for age and comorbidities, females still showed higher rates of heart failure hospitalization (OR 2.73) and recurrent AF (OR 3.86).
• Thyroid dysfunction and lack of antiarrhythmic treatment independently increased AF risk (OR 5.95 and OR 3.42, respectively).
• Increased mortality was observed only in females aged ≥75 years (OR 1.60).

Conclusions:

• Significant gender-based differences exist in baseline characteristics and treatment of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) patients.
• Females with AF face higher risks of heart failure hospitalization and recurrent AF, even after accounting for age and comorbidities.
• Thyroid dysfunction and specific treatment strategies may contribute to the higher recurrence rates of AF in females.