Women, Mother Nature and Gender Bias
by Patti J. Ryan, August 2015
Several studies have established that the symptoms and consequences of A-Fib are more profoundly felt in women.
Mother Nature and A-Fib Symptoms in Women
Females tend to develop A-Fib at a later age than men. They are also more likely to seek medical attention, are usually more symptomatic, and have higher heart rates. A-Fib tends to affect their physical quality of life more severely.
While men as a group develop A-Fib twice as often as women, there are twice as many females as males in the age group with the highest percentage of A-Fib. Around five times as many males undergo catheter ablation than females.
Cardiovascular mortality rates are 2.5-fold greater for women with A-Fib. Women have a 4.6-fold higher rate of stroke. A-Fib is the most frequent cause of disabling stroke in elderly females.
What can you do about it? As a female with A-Fib, you may have more symptoms, quality of life issues and are at greater risk of an A-Fib-related stroke. But you don’t have to live with A-Fib. As soon as practical, get a referral to a heart rhythm specialist (a cardiologist with a specialty in electrophysiology). Early diagnosis means less damage to your heart and more treatment options.
More topics in this report:
Drug Therapies for Women with A-Fib and Risk of Stroke
Differences in Catheter Ablation for Females with A-Fib
Gender Bias Also Plays a Role
Why is there Gender Bias in the Treatment of Women with A-Fib?
Good News: EPs Less Likely to Have Gender Bias
Read my entire report: The Facts About Women with A-Fib: Mother Nature and Gender Bias—Or—Get Thee to an EP ASAP