Sex-related differences in presentation, treatment, and outcomes of Asian patients with atrial fibrillation: a report from the prospective APHRS-AF Registry

Sci Rep. 2023 Oct 26;13(1):18375. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-45345-3.

Abstract

We aimed to investigate the sex-related differences in the clinical course of patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) enrolled in the Asia-Pacific-Heart-Rhythm-Society Registry. Logistic regression was utilized to investigate the relationship between sex and oral anticoagulant, rhythm control strategies and the 1-year chance to maintain sinus rhythm. Cox-regression was utilized to assess the 1-year risk of all-cause, and cardiovascular death, thromboembolic events, acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, and major bleeding. In the whole cohort (4121 patients, 69 ± 12 years,34.3% female), females had different cardiovascular risk factors, clinical manifestations, and disease perceptions than men, with more advanced age (72 ± 11 vs 67 ± 12 years, p < 0.001) and dyslipidemia (36.7% vs 41.7%, p = 0.002). Coronary artery disease was more prevalent in males (21.1% vs 16.1%, p < 0.001) as well as the use of antiplatelet drugs. Females had a higher use of oral anticoagulant (84.9% vs 81.3%, p = 0.004) but this difference was non-significant after adjustment for confounders. On multivariable analyses, females were less often treated with rhythm control strategies (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.44,95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.38-0.51) and were less likely to maintain sinus rhythm (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.22-0.34) compared to males. Cox-regressions analysis showed no sex-related differences for the risk of death, cardiovascular, and bleeding. The clinical management of Asian AF patients should consider several sex-related differences.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Atrial Fibrillation* / complications
  • Atrial Fibrillation* / drug therapy
  • Atrial Fibrillation* / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Hemorrhage / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Registries
  • Risk Factors
  • Stroke* / etiology

Substances

  • Anticoagulants