Gender Differences in Atrial Fibrillation: A Review of Epidemiology, Management, and Outcomes

Stacy Westerman; Nanette Wenger

doi:10.2174/1573403X15666181205110624

Gender Differences in Atrial Fibrillation: A Review of Epidemiology, Management, and Outcomes

Curr Cardiol Rev. 2019;15(2):136-144. doi: 10.2174/1573403X15666181205110624.

Authors

Stacy Westerman¹, Nanette Wenger¹

Affiliation

¹ School of Medicine, Emory University, 1639 Pierce Drive, WMB 308 Atlanta, GA 30322, United States.

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. The scope and impact of atrial fibrillation are wide; it can affect cardiac function, functional status, and quality of life, and it confers a stroke risk. There are sex differences in atrial fibrillation across the scope of the disease process, from epidemiology and causative mechanisms to management and outcomes. The approach to management of atrial fibrillation differs between women and men, and there are sex differences in response to medical therapy and catheter ablation. There are many gaps in our knowledge of the gender differences in atrial fibrillation, and many opportunities for future research.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; antiarrhythmic drugs; catheter ablation; future research; gender differences; stroke..

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Atrial Fibrillation / epidemiology*
Atrial Fibrillation / therapy
Catheter Ablation / methods*
Female
Gender Identity
Humans
Male
Treatment Outcome