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Atrial fibrillation is very dangerous for women
The so-called atrial fibrillation is a widespread problem for many people. The world's most common form of cardiac arrhythmia affects both women and men. Physicians have now tried to clarify the question of whether this disease represents a greater risk to women's health.
Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of strokes, heart disease and heart failure in people. Researchers have now discovered that this disease appears to be more dangerous to women. The results of their current study, the scientists published in the journal "BMJ".
Atrial fibrillation in women especially dangerous. Image: Henrie - fotolia Women with atrial fibrillation twice as often affected by strokes
Atrial fibrillation is the world's most common form of cardiac arrhythmia. In Europe alone, more than six million people suffer from the disease. In atrial fibrillation, electrical arousal develops in the atria, which can then be directed to the heart chambers. As a result, the human heart rhythm becomes irregular. The condition is most commonly associated with an increased risk of stroke because the irregular rhythm can cause blood clots to form in the atria. The new study now found that women with atrial fibrillation are twice as likely to be affected by strokes compared to men, the researchers said. Compared to men, women with atrial fibrillation also die 93 percent more frequently from heart disease. In addition, women are more likely to suffer a heart attack (55 percent) and more prone to a cardiac arrest (16 percent), the researchers explained.
Often, the disease is recognized too late or incorrectly
This study shows that women can experience cardiovascular disease and risk factors differently than men, said Connor Emdin of the University of Oxford's George Institute for Global Health. Atrial fibrillation is a major cause of heart disease and stroke worldwide. In 2010, this disease affected an estimated 33 million people, the researchers said. Women could be worse affected by atrial fibrillation, their symptoms are not as obvious as in men, Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum from "Lenox Hill Hospital". It may be assumed that the disease is diagnosed late or is often not properly recognized, Dr. Stone tree added. Women usually do not recognize symptoms such as tiredness or shortness of breath as a sign of heart disease. Often such problems are then attributed to stress or fatigue, explained the physician.
Patients should ask doctors for anticoagulant drugs
There is a general lack of proper treatment for women and men with atrial fibrillation, said the cardiologist dr. Christopher Granger. Most sufferers should take anticoagulant (anti-coagulation medication) to prevent a stroke. Many people do not do that, the doctor added. Atrial fibrillation in women could generally be worse than in men. As a result, cardiovascular disease and death are more common, said Emdin. In any case, all three experts recommend that women with atrial fibrillation should focus on improving their health. Physical exercise, proper nutrition, proper management of stress, blood pressure and cholesterol control could reduce the severity of the disease, said the doctors. Affected women should talk to their doctor about the use of anticoagulant drugs, Emdin added.