Sex-Based Disparities in Health Care Access and Utilization Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
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By
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Ji Mei May Wong
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Peter R. Kowey
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June 25, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Gender Differences in Access to Health Care and Utilization Among Individuals with Atrial Fibrillation
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Atrial Fibrillation |
| Key Mechanisms | Sex-based differences in structural, hormonal, and electrical physiology; social determinants of health impacting care access. |
| Target Population | Individuals with Atrial Fibrillation, aged 18 years or older. |
| Care Setting | Research initiative evaluating health care access and utilization barriers. |
Key Highlights
- Atrial fibrillation prevalence increased from 33.5 million in 2010 to over 59 million in 2020.
- Females with AF experience higher risks of stroke, myocardial infarction, and mortality compared to males.
- Social determinants of health significantly influence cardiovascular care access and outcomes.
- Females are less likely to receive timely evaluation and treatment for AF compared to males.
- The All of Us Research Program provides a resource to study health care access disparities.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Utilize SNOMED diagnosis for identifying atrial fibrillation.
Management
- Ensure guideline-directed medical therapies are accessible to all patients.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Monitor disparities in health care access and utilization among different sexes.
Risks
- Consider the impact of social determinants of health on patient outcomes.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Participants from the All of Us Research Program with a diagnosis of AF.
Females are less frequently referred for invasive procedures and receive fewer rhythm-control therapies.
Clinical Best Practices
- Address barriers to care that disproportionately affect female patients.
- Incorporate social determinants of health into patient assessments.
- Promote equitable access to cardiovascular care for all genders.
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