Gender differences in stroke, mortality, and hospitalization among patients with atrial fibrillation: A systematic review

ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic review of gender differences in stroke, mortality, and hospitalization for patients with atrial fibrillation and/or flutter (AF/Afl).MethodsFull texts, published, peer-reviewed, English language articles from 1999 through July 2014 were examined. Articles with populations of patients with AF/Afl were included if they conducted longitudinal analysis of any of three outcomes: stroke, mortality, and hospitalization, and reported or compared at least one of the outcomes according to gender.ResultsSeventeen articles were included: sixteen on stroke, nine on mortality, and one on hospitalization. In nine articles women had more strokes (RRs 0.89–1.9). Findings about gender differences in mortality (RRs 0.69–2.8) and hospitalizations were equivocal.ConclusionsFew articles examine differences in outcomes between men and women with AF/Afl. Given the prevalence of AF/Afl and health care costs it is vital to determine gender differences to evaluate appropriate therapies to decrease stroke, mortality, and hospitalizations.