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Gender and age differences in symptoms and health‐related quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation referred for catheter ablation
Author(s) -
Walfridsson Ulla,
Steen Hansen Peter,
Charitakis Emmanouil,
Almroth Henrik,
Jönsson Anders,
Karlsson Lars O.,
Liuba Ioan,
Samo Ayou Romeo,
Poci Dritan,
Holmqvist Fredrik,
Kongstad Ole,
Walfridsson Håkan
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
pacing and clinical electrophysiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.686
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1540-8159
pISSN - 0147-8389
DOI - 10.1111/pace.13795
Subject(s) - medicine , atrial fibrillation , quality of life (healthcare) , palpitations , catheter ablation , cohort , ablation , pediatrics , physical therapy , nursing
Background Primary indication for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is to reduce symptoms and improve health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). There are data showing differences between the genders and between younger and older patients. To evaluate this, we studied a large Scandinavian cohort of patients referred for catheter ablation of AF. Methods Consecutive patients filled out the ASTA questionnaire, assessing symptoms, HRQoL, and perception of arrhythmia, prior to ablation. Patients were recruited from four Swedish and one Danish tertiary center. Results A total of 2493 patients (72% men) filled out the ASTA questionnaire. Women experienced eight of the nine ASTA scale symptoms more often than men. Patients <65 years reported four symptoms more often, only tiredness was more frequent in those ≥65 years ( P = .007). Women and patients <65 years experienced more often palpitations and regarding close to fainting and this was more common among women, no age differences were seen. Women and men scored differently in 10 of the 13 HRQoL items. Only negative impact on sexual life was more common in men ( P < .001). Older patients reported more negative influence in four of the HRQoL items and the younger in one; ability to concentrate. Conclusions Women experienced a more pronounced symptom burden and were more negatively affected in all HRQoL concerns, except for the negative impact on sexual life, where men reported more influence of AF. Differences between age groups were less pronounced. Disease‐specific patient‐reported outcomes measures (PROMs) add important information where gender differences should be considered in the care.