Gender Differences in Access to Health Care and Utilization Among Individuals with Atrial Fibrillation

Overview

This study investigates sex-based disparities in healthcare access and utilization among individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia, with increasing prevalence linked to longer life expectancy and improved survival rates. Despite a higher incidence in males, females with AF experience worse clinical outcomes, including higher risks of stroke and mortality, as reported in various studies.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data presented in the source material.

Key Findings

• Females with AF are less likely to receive timely evaluations for cardiovascular symptoms.
• Women are less frequently referred for invasive procedures compared to men.
• Guideline-directed medical therapies are less commonly prescribed to females with AF.
• Sex-based disparities in AF management include lower rates of rhythm-control therapies and catheter ablation for women.
• Delays in diagnosis and treatment are more pronounced in females with AF.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware of the disparities in access and treatment for females with AF.

Conclusion

The study highlights significant sex-based disparities in healthcare access and utilization among individuals with atrial fibrillation.

Related Resources & Content

1. Clinical Research in Cardiology, 2025 -- Gender-Based Variations in the Start of Antithrombotic Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation Patients in Germany
2. JAMA Network Open, 2023 -- Health Status Changes and Long-Term Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
3. Clinical Research in Cardiology, 2011 -- Primary Care Management of Atrial Fibrillation in Germany: Initial Findings from the ATRIUM Registry
4. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2023 -- Ethnic differences in clinical outcomes following major bleeding in atrial fibrillation patients
5. European Heart Journal, 2024 -- 2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation
6. JACC, 2026 -- SEX BASED DIFFERENCES IN ATRIAL FIBRILLATION REFERRAL PATHWAYS
7. BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, 2026 -- Sex-based disparities in postoperative outcomes after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation
8. 2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation developed in collaboration with the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) | European Heart Journal | Oxford Academic
9. 26-A-22934-ACC SEX BASED DIFFERENCES IN ATRIAL FIBRILLATION REFERRAL PATHWAYS: IDENTIFYING TRANSFER-OF-CARE GAPS IN A LARGE URBAN HEALTHCARE SYSTEM | JACC
10. Sex-based disparities in postoperative outcomes after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of propensity-matched studies | BMC Cardiovascular Disorders | Springer Nature Link