Abstract P193: Are There Gender Differences in Treatment and Survival of Patients with Heart Failure?

Background An increasing interest has been shown in identification of gender differences treating patients with heart failure (HF) and managing their care. The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether there are any differences in the management and in treatment outcomes with respect to gender in patients treated at Outpatient Clinic. Methods The data analysis included the records of 350 visits during 2 years period (April 2008 to May 2010) related to 59 pts (21 females and 38 males) who had multiple daily treatment sessions at Infusion Center for outpatient treatment with IV diuretics. Primary disorders, co-morbidities and ICD implantation were evaluated, and patients were followed for 12 months in order to assess the frequency of re-hospitalizations and their survival. Results Conclusions: The study demonstrated that hypertension was the most common primary diagnosis in men and women, and diabetes mellitus was found at the same frequency in both gender groups, however renal disease, CAD and COPD were more prevalent in males than females. Despite very similar frequency of cardiac arrhythmias, such as Atrial Fibrillation in both gender groups, significantly more males had the ICD implanted as compared to females. The rate of re-hospitalizations at 30 days, during 6 and 12 months period did not differ based on the gender, however the survival during 12 months follow-up was lower in females than males.