Gender differences in presentation and treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation: Results from the Nature AF registry

Background Distinct differences in clinical presentation and management of atrial fibrillation (AF) were observed in men versus women from several registries. However, there is a lack of information about gender-related AF profile in our population. Purpose To raise, according of gender, the demographic, clinical and therapeutic particularities of patients recruited from the prospective NATURE AF registry (National Tunisian Registry of Atrial Fibrillation). Material and methods Between March and June 2017, we prospectively registered information of 912 patients with a recently diagnosed AF. According to gender, demographics, clinical and etiological characteristics as well as arrhythmia management strategies were compared. Results Fifty two percent of patients were female. Women were older ( P  = 0.012). Valvular etiology was more diagnosed in women ( P P P  = 0.365). There was no gender difference in percent of prescribed anticoagulation medications for both vitamin K antagonists ( P  = 0.76) and novel oral anticoagulants ( P  = 0.839). Rate control strategy was significantly more adopted in women then in men ( P  = 0.005). Concerning the rate control therapies, digoxin was more prescribed in women ( P  = 0.005) in contrast to the similar use of B-blockers ( P  = 0.912). Conclusion NATURE AF registry showed that women presenting with AF differ from men in term of age, underlying cardiopathy and rhythm management strategy. Despite these differences, both groups shared similar AF pattern and anticoagulation therapy.