Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Reed Mszar, Daniel J. Friedman, Emily Ong, Chengan Du, Yongfei Wang, Emily P. Zeitler, Shayna D. Cunningham, Joseph Akar, Jeptha P. Curtis, James Freeman
Summary: This observational cohort study analyzed the sex-based differences and outcomes in adults undergoing catheter ablation for AF. Women were found to be older, have more comorbidities, and experience lower quality of life. They also had a higher risk of adverse events and longer hospitalization.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Hasan K. Siddiqi, Manickavasagar Vinayagamoorthy, Baris Gencer, Chee Ng, Julie Pester, Nancy R. Cook, I-Min Lee, Julie Buring, JoAnn E. Manson, Christine M. Albert
Summary: This study examines sex differences in atrial fibrillation (AF) incidence in a contemporary cohort without prevalent cardiovascular disease (CVD). It suggests that after controlling for height and/or body size, women without CVD at baseline were at higher risk for AF than men.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Hifza Buhari, Jiming Fang, Lu Han, Peter C. Austin, Paul Dorian, Cynthia A. Jackevicius, Amy Y. X. Yu, Moira K. Kapral, Sheldon M. Singh, Karen Tu, Dennis T. Ko, Clare L. Atzema, Emelia J. Benjamin, Douglas S. Lee, Husam Abdel-Qadir
Summary: This study aimed to examine the relationship between sex differences in age and cardiovascular care and stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF). The results showed that females had higher rates of stroke in AF even after adjusting for other factors. Older age and inequities in cardiovascular care partially explained the higher stroke rates in females with AF.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ekaterina Sharashova, Eva Gerdts, Jocasta Ball, Hilde Espnes, Bjarne K. Jacobsen, Simon Kildal, Ellisiv B. Mathiesen, Inger Njolstad, Annika Rosengren, Henrik Schirmer, Tom Wilsgaard, Maja-Lisa Lochen
Summary: This study analyzed the sex-specific time trends in atrial fibrillation (AF) incidence using data from the Tromso Study. The results showed a decrease in AF incidence among women and a reverse U-shape increase among men. Changes in blood pressure and BMI were found to be the most important risk factors contributing to the trends in AF incidence.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Adrian D. Elliott, Melissa E. Middeldorp, Isabelle C. Van Gelder, Christine M. Albert, Prashanthan Sanders
Summary: The global prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) has significantly increased over the past three decades to approximately 60 million cases. Various risk factors, including lifestyle choices, can modify the lifetime risk of AF. This review provides evidence on the epidemiology of AF, both non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors, and strategies for primary and secondary prevention. It also discusses potential interventions to reduce the frequency and severity of subsequent AF episodes and proposes strategies and global policy changes for the prevention and management of AF.
NATURE REVIEWS CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Becker M. Al-Khayatt, Justin D. Salciccioli, Dominic C. Marshall, Andrew D. Krahn, Joseph Shalhoub, Markus B. Sikkel
Summary: The incidence and mortality of atrial fibrillation across Europe did not show a general trend from 1990 to 2017, with unique patterns observed for some nations. Higher mortality rates were observed in wealthier countries, with women experiencing worse outcomes and increasing disparities over time.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hilde Espnes, Jocasta Ball, Maja-Lisa Lochen, Tom Wilsgaard, Inger Njolstad, Ellisiv B. Mathiesen, Eva Gerdts, Ekaterina Sharashova
Summary: The study found that increasing SBP was associated with an increased risk of both paroxysmal/persistent AF and permanent AF in women, but only paroxysmal/persistent AF in men. The findings highlight the importance of sex-specific risk stratification and optimizing blood pressure management for the prevention of AF subtypes in clinical practice.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Anna Louise Pouncey, Mark Woodward
Summary: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, with ischaemic heart disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease being major components. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the risk factors and efficacy of treatment in women, resulting in reduced opportunities for prevention and management.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Alexis Hermida, Jacqueline Burtin, Maciej Kubala, Floriane Fay, Pierre-Marc Lallemand, Otilia Buiciuc, Audrey Lieu, Mustafa Zaitouni, Christophe Beyls, Jean-Sylvain Hermida
Summary: This study compared the effectiveness and complications of cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (cryo-PVI) in men and women with atrial fibrillation (AF). It found that a single cryo-PVI procedure for paroxysmal AF had significantly lower success rates in female patients compared to male patients, and female patients were also more likely to experience complications.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Aniqa B. Alam, Pamela L. Lutsey, Lin Y. Chen, Richard F. MacLehose, Iris Y. Shao, Alvaro Alonso
Summary: This study identified several risk factors for dementia in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), including frailty, cognitive impairment, mood disorders, schizophrenia, and substance abuse. Among cardiometabolic conditions, only stroke and diabetes mellitus were associated with a small increase in dementia risk.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Le Li, Bin Tu, Shangyu Liu, Zhenhao Zhang, Yulong Xiong, Zhao Hu, Yan Yao
Summary: This study evaluated the sex differences in the incidence, risk factors, and mortality of ventricular arrhythmia in congestive heart failure patients. Men were more likely to develop ventricular arrhythmia compared to women, and there were sex differences in the association of atrial fibrillation and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy with ventricular arrhythmia. Awareness of these sex differences can improve clinical outcomes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Sven Geurts, Martijn J. Tilly, Jan A. Kors, Jaap W. Deckers, Bruno H. C. Stricker, Natasja M. S. de Groot, M. Arfan Ikram, Maryam Kavousi
Summary: The study aims to assess the association and sex differences in electrocardiographic parameters with new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF). A total of 12,212 participants from the Rotterdam Study were included. The findings showed that the associations between electrocardiographic parameters and new-onset AF were mostly U- and N-shaped, with significant sex differences observed. Longitudinal measures of PR and QTc interval were significantly associated with new-onset AF, especially in men.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Miroslav Mihajlovic, Jelena Simic, Milan Marinkovic, Vladan Kovacevic, Aleksandar Kocijancic, Nebojsa Mujovic, Tatjana S. Potpara
Summary: This study explored sex-specific determinants of treatment burden in AF patients. Females had significantly higher treatment burden compared to males. Approximately 2 in 5 females and 1 in 5 males reported a treatment burden of >= 59 points, which is considered unacceptable for patients.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ya-Ting Chang, Yung-Lung Chen, Hong-Yo Kang
Summary: Sex differences play a significant role in cardiovascular and cognitive function, impacting various aspects including pathophysiology, disease onset, symptoms, and severity. Atrial fibrillation (AF) may contribute to vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), with sex hormones potentially serving as therapeutic targets for early intervention.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Francesca Coppi, Valentina Bucciarelli, Giorgia Sinigaglia, Giada Zanini, Valentina Selleri, Milena Nasi, Marcello Pinti, Sabina Gallina, Anna Vittoria Mattioli
Summary: This literature review explores the association between coffee, caffeine, and atrial fibrillation and analyzes differences between sexes. Various factors affect this complex relationship, with genetic, environmental, and psychosocial factors playing a role in atrial fibrillation pathophysiology. However, analysis reveals a lack of studies comparing the two sexes, resulting in insufficient information for prevention and treatment approaches. Further dedicated studies are necessary.
Article
Immunology
S. Reshwan K. Malahe, Rogier A. S. Hoek, Virgil A. S. H. Dalm, Annoek E. C. Broers, Caroline M. den Hoed, Olivier C. Manintveld, Carla C. Baan, Charlotte M. van Deuzen, Grigorios Papageorgiou, Hannelore Bax, Jeroen J. Van Kampen, Merel E. Hellemons, Marcia M. L. Kho, Rory D. de Vries, Richard Molenkamp, Marlies E. J. Reinders, Bart J. A. Rijnders
Summary: The Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus causes less severe illness in immunocompromised patients compared to previous variants. However, hospitalization rates are still high and symptoms tend to persist for a longer duration. Additional interventions are needed to reduce the disease burden in these vulnerable individuals.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Martijn J. Tilly, Sven Geurts, Angelo M. Pezzullo, Wichor M. Bramer, Natasja M. S. de Groot, Maryam Kavousi, Moniek P. M. de Maat
Summary: This study aims to summarize and analyze the evidence on the associations between coagulation factors and atrial fibrillation (AF) in both longitudinal and cross-sectional studies. The findings suggest that higher levels of coagulation factors are associated with both prevalent and incident AF, with the associations being more pronounced in cross-sectional studies. Limited evidence from longitudinal studies suggests a prothrombotic state underlying AF development.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Martijn J. Tilly, Sven Geurts, Fang Zhu, Maxime M. Bos, M. Arfan Ikram, Moniek P. M. de Maat, Natasja M. S. de Groot, Maryam Kavousi
Summary: This study aims to investigate the association between autoimmune diseases and atrial fibrillation (AF). The findings suggest that rheumatic fever, gastrointestinal autoimmune diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis, among others, are associated with an increased risk of AF, especially in women.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Silvan Licher, Frank J. Wolters, Jelena Pavlovic, Maryam Kavousi, Maarten J. G. Leening, M. Kamran Ikram, M. Arfan Ikram
Summary: Multidomain dementia prevention trials fail to prioritize high-risk dementia patients, and mostly include individuals who already meet cardiovascular prevention guidelines. Better targeting of recruitment for individuals whose trial results can improve clinical decision making is needed.
Editorial Material
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Maryam Kavousi, Patrick T. T. Ellinor
NETHERLANDS HEART JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Banafsheh Arshi, Hamid A. Aliahmad, M. Arfan Ikram, Daniel Bos, Maryam Kavousi
Summary: A larger epicardial fat volume (EFV) is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease and atrial fibrillation. This study found that EFV is also associated with impaired cardiac function and an increased risk of heart failure (HF).
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Sunny S. Singh, Janine E. van der Toorn, Eric J. G. Sijbrands, Yolanda B. de Rijke, Maryam Kavousi, Daniel Bos
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the association between Lp(a) and arteriosclerosis. The results showed that higher levels of Lp(a) were consistently associated with increased calcification volumes in multiple arteries, including coronary arteries, aortic arch, and carotid arteries. The findings suggest that Lp(a) is a systemic risk factor for arteriosclerosis, highlighting its potential as a target for treatment.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL-CARDIOVASCULAR IMAGING
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Jasmijn A. M. Sleutjes, C. Janneke van der Woude, P. J. Pepijn Verploegh, Elif Aribas, Maryam Kavousi, Jeanine E. Roeters van Lennep, Annemarie C. de Vries
Summary: This study compared the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and 10-year risk in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients to the general population. The results showed that IBD patients had a higher likelihood of experiencing ASCVD events compared to controls, but the 10-year CVD risk estimate was lower, potentially due to differences in CVD risk profiles between IBD patients and the general population.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Rachel Cahalane, Ali Akyildiz, Maryam Kavousi, Meike W. Vernooij, M. Kamran Ikram, Frank Gijsen, Daniel Bos
Summary: This study validated a technique for measuring carotid calcium density and investigated its associations with cardiovascular risk factors. The density technique showed good agreement with clinical software measurements, supporting its validity. Only total calcium volume and hypercholesterolemia were significantly associated with mean calcium density, while other participant demographics and cardiovascular risk factors showed no significant association. These findings provide a basis for future longitudinal studies on the association between carotid calcium density and the risk of cerebrovascular events.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Sven Geurts, Martijn J. Tilly, Jan A. Kors, Jaap W. Deckers, Bruno H. C. Stricker, Natasja M. S. de Groot, M. Arfan Ikram, Maryam Kavousi
Summary: The study aims to assess the association and sex differences in electrocardiographic parameters with new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF). A total of 12,212 participants from the Rotterdam Study were included. The findings showed that the associations between electrocardiographic parameters and new-onset AF were mostly U- and N-shaped, with significant sex differences observed. Longitudinal measures of PR and QTc interval were significantly associated with new-onset AF, especially in men.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Jeanine E. Roeters van Lennep, Lale S. Tokgozoglu, Lina Badimon, Sandra M. Dumanski, Martha Gulati, Connie N. Hess, Kirsten B. Holven, Maryam Kavousi, Meral Kayikcioglu, Esther Lutgens, Erin D. Michos, Eva Prescott, Jane K. Stock, Anne Tybjaerg-Hansen, Marieke J. H. Wermer, Marianne Benn
Summary: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) being the main contributor. ASCVD mortality is currently increasing, especially in middle-aged women. Sex-specific factors, such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, premature menopause, and polycystic ovary syndrome, are associated with higher cardiovascular risk.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Fang Zhu, Danielle Noordermeer, Elif Aribas, Maxime Bos, Eric Boersma, Maryam Kavousi
Summary: Hypertension, diabetes, and lipoprotein metabolism disorders mediate the association between miscarriage and various cardiovascular outcomes. Hypertension plays the largest role in mediating the relationship between miscarriage and atherosclerotic cardiovascular events. Women who have experienced miscarriage should be regularly monitored for blood pressure, blood lipids, and glucose to reduce their long-term cardiovascular risk.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Jeanine E. Roeters van Lennep, Lale S. Tokgozoglu, Lina Badimon, Sandra M. Dumanski, Martha Gulati, Connie N. Hess, Kirsten B. Holven, Maryam Kavousi, Meral Kayikcioglu, Esther Lutgens, Erin D. Michos, Eva Prescott, Jane K. Stock, Anne Tybjaerg-Hansen, Marieke J. H. Wermer, Marianne Benn
Summary: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, with women experiencing the fastest relative increase in middle-aged mortality. In addition to missed or delayed diagnosis and undertreatment, sex-specific factors contribute to increased cardiovascular risk in women. The European Atherosclerosis Society's position statement focuses on the impact of gender-specific factors and the effects of these factors on women's lifelong lipid profiles, including lipoprotein(a). Sociocultural components further compound these effects. Early identification and treatment of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in women, especially those related to sex-specific conditions, are necessary to reduce the high burden of cardiovascular disease in women.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2023)
