The Influence of Gender on Heart Rhythm Disease

Abstract

This paper deals with cardiac arrhythmias, focusing on differences between genders. We sought to examine the potential effect of gonadal hormones on heart rhythm disorders, and sex-related differences in incidence and clinical course of arrhythmias--differences that may require specific approaches to detection and management of heart rhythm disease.

Prevalence of anxiety and risk associated with ventricular arrhythmia in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator

“…In addition, individual differences have rarely been taken into account in previous studies. For example, there is evidence to support that sex differences might be of importance when focusing on (adverse) clinical outcomes in patients with an ICD [15,16]. Studies showed evident sex differences with respect to prevalence and etiology of VTa's and survival benefit in ICD patients [15,16].…”

“…For example, there is evidence to support that sex differences might be of importance when focusing on (adverse) clinical outcomes in patients with an ICD [15,16]. Studies showed evident sex differences with respect to prevalence and etiology of VTa's and survival benefit in ICD patients [15,16]. Despite these differences, currently male and female patients receive the same treatment neglecting the fact that female patients are underrepresented in ICD trials that inform the evidence base.…”

“…Generally, within the ICD population male and female patients tend to experience comparable distress levels [23]. However, studies have indicated that significant sex differences exist in heart rhythm disease [15]. These differences can partly be explained by anatomical differences (females have an average smaller heart size which contributes to shorter QRS complexes) [24] but also by the effects of sex hormones (estrogen, progesteron), which might have a protective effect on adverse outcomes in female patients [15].…”

“…Another explanation could be that the underlying heart disease varies between male and female patients, with male patients having more often ischemic pathology as compared to female patients [25]. Overall, studies indicate that female patients are less prone to VTa's and that there might be gender specific correlates of adverse outcomes in cardiac patients [15]. Finally it is important to note that previous studies showed that type of anxiety may also be a gender related predictor with phobic anxiety in women being associated with increased risk of cardiac mortality and sudden cardiac death [26].…”

Sex Differences and Long-Term Outcome in Patients With Pacemakers

“…Men and women with cardiovascular diseases differ in their clinical presentation as well as their diagnostic and therapeutic needs. Sex differences are well-investigated in cardiac arrhythmias: rate control is more common than rhythm control compared to men, leading to less frequent PM implantation in women (3).…”