Afib Symptoms In Women aren't that unusual: a racing heart, dizziness, or being
extremely tired.
Woman - being "tougher" than us men often try to live with their symptoms before
getting help and finding out that atrial fibrillation was the cause of their problems. Don't wait - see
your doctor!
We already know that more men than women have atrial fibrillation
- but - women have a higher rate of strokes and death, with women accounting for about 61% of Afib
related stroke deaths.
Researchers have identified nine common differences in women who suffer from
Afib:
1. They have higher incidences of stroke and
death from stroke.
2. Women do not receive blood thinners (anticoagulation) as often, resulting in more risk of blood
clots.
3. Have a greater risk of collateral bleeding from blood thinners.
4. Experience greater risk of life-threatening arrhythmias and slow heart rates from taking antiarrhythmic
drugs to treat their Afib than men.
5. A woman's normal hormonal fluctuation can cause more life-threatening arrhythmias.
Have a higher risk of low potassium levels, increasing the risk of drug-related arrhythmias
6. Are more sensitive to statin and vasodilator drugs.
7. Are referred less often, or later, for ablation or pacemakers than men.
8. Experience a lower quality of life than men from their atrial fibrillation
These findings identify areas in which doctors need to more closely manage the treatment of their female atrial
fibrillation patients.
