Sex differences in atrial potential morphology

Areas of conduction disorders play an important role in both initiation and perpetuation of AF and can be recognized by specific changes in unipolar potential morphology. For example, EGM fractionation may be caused by asynchronous activation of adjacent cardiomyocytes because of structural barriers such as fibrotic strands. However, it is unknown whether there are sex differences in unipolar potential morphology. Therefore, atrial potential morphologies during sinus rhythm (SR) were compared between male and female patients.

Based on propensity score matching, 62 male and female patients in whom high-resolution mapping of the right atrium (RA), left atrium (LA), and pulmonary vein area (PVA) including Bachmann's bundle (BB) was performed during coronary bypass grafting surgery and/or valvular heart surgery. Unipolar potentials were classified as single potentials (SPs), short double potentials (SDPs), long double potentials (LDP), fractionated potentials (FPs) and fraction duration (FD). The proportion of conduction block lines was also determined.

Female patients had a higher proportion of SDPs, LDPs and FPs at the RA, and SDPs at BB. At the PVA, there were less SPs and more SDPs and FPs. In females, FDs were longer at the RA and PVA, and potential voltages of only SPs were lower at the RA (all P < 0.05). Females also had more CB at the RA and at PVA (P < 0.05).

In females, the proportion of single unipolar potentials indicative of smooth conduction, was lower compared to males, at the RA and PVA and to a lesser degree at BB. Females also had more CB at RA and PVA. Hence, these results may reflect sex-differences in the degree of electrical remodeling.