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New multicenter research reveals that female patients fail ablation procedures more often than male patients, according to a study published in the February edition of the HeartRhythm Journal, the official journal of the Heat Rhythm Society. The study also shows that males undergo catheter ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation five times as often as females and typically with significantly fewer complications.
The multicenter study, which evaluated 3,265 patients between January 2005 and May 2008, collected patient data for women who underwent pulmonary vein antrum isolation, a form of catheter ablation. The research was initiated due to the paucity of information for such procedures among women. Previous studies also have reported gender disparities in the use of certain cardiovascular technologies – such as implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and cardiovascular diagnostic testing.
Researchers found that female patients failed ablation procedures at a higher rate than males (31.5 percent versus 22.5 percent), and also incurred uncomfortable complications at nearly double the rate in some instances. When compared to male patients who underwent the same procedure, the research indicates females have a higher rate of non paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and extra pulmonary veins firing. In addition females had a higher incidence of bleeding complications, hematomas and pseudoaneurysms.
“Most atrial fibrillation studies have consisted predominately of male patients, and, accordingly, there is a real lack of information about the safety and efficacy of catheter ablation for females,” said Andrea Natale, M.D., FHRS, executive medical director of the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St David’s Medical Center in Austin, Texas. “The work ahead is to pinpoint why female patients are more likely to delay this procedure and to work with doctors to develop a better patient dialogue and treatment strategy.”
One possibility researchers say could explain the disparity is the age at which female patients undergo invasive treatment for atrial fibrillation. In the study, females referred for ablation tended to be older and had failed more antiarrhythmic agents, suggesting an apprehension toward catheter ablation. Experts involved in the study believe success rates for female patients may improve if ablation is performed earlier in treatment, an intervention that may be helped along by greater understanding of women’s heart health needs in the medical community.
In recognition of Heart Health Month in February, the Heart Rhythm Society urges all Americans to take an active role in the education and understanding of heart health issues. Heart disease affects both men and women, and more than 41 million women are currently living with some form of cardiovascular disease.[i] Join the Heart Rhythm Society’s effort to build awareness of heart health issues by encouraging the women in your life to speak with their doctor about warning signs, risk factors and heart healthy living.
For more information about this study, please visit www.heartrhythmjournal.com.
About the Heart Rhythm Society
The Heart Rhythm Society is the international leader in science, education and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients, and the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders. Its mission is to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education and optimal health care policies and standards. Incorporated in 1979 and based in Washington, DC, it has a membership of more than 5,100 heart rhythm professionals in more than 72 countries around the world. www.hrsonline.org
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