Cardiovascular women with twice the risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation leads to particularly high health risks for women
Atrial fibrillation is commonly associated with an increased risk of stroke. However, according to a recent study by British researchers, women are much more affected. They suffer from atrial fibrillation about twice as often a stroke as men. The probability of an early death has also increased significantly, according to the scientists from the University of Oxford in the journal "BMJ".

According to the researchers, atrial fibrillation is a greater risk factor for cardiovascular disease and death in women than in men. It not only increased the risk of stroke in women with this particular form of cardiac arrhythmia, but also the probability of heart failure and heart attack had increased significantly. Doctors should urgently take into account the increased risk of atrial fibrillation in the future treatment, claim the British scientists. In their research, they collaborated with researchers from the University of Sydney (Australia) and the University of Toronto (Canada), among others.

Atrial fibrillation leads to significantly more cardiovascular risks in women than in men. (Image: Henrie / fotolia.com)

Atrial fibrillation often goes unnoticed
As part of its meta-analysis, the research team evaluated the results of 30 previous studies with a total of around 4.3 million participants. They looked for gender specifics in the effects of atrial fibrillation. This relatively widespread form of cardiac arrhythmia is characterized by a disturbed impulse transmission in the heart muscles. Changes in the heart rate and discomfort such as dizziness to fainting are possible consequences. Not infrequently, however, show no obvious symptoms, so that sufferers are unaware of their disease for a long time. In Germany alone, around 800,000 people suffer from atrial fibrillation, reports the AOK, citing the German Heart Report.

Special attention required for atrial fibrillation in women
The UK study clearly shows that women are more likely to have more serious health outcomes in atrial fibrillation than men, but the cause remains unclear. The researchers suspect that in women, the symptoms may be less obvious and therefore, on average, the diagnosis will be made much later. The researchers therefore recommend that doctors pay more attention to the symptoms of women and, if necessary, initiate appropriate therapeutic countermeasures. Physical exercise, proper nutrition, proper stress management, blood pressure control, and cholesterol control can all help prevent potential negative effects of atrial fibrillation. The use of anticoagulant drugs is also an option in affected women to reduce the risk of stroke. Overall, in view of the current findings, much more attention is needed for atrial fibrillation in women. (Fp)