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Gender Differences in the Pathogenesis and Management of Heart Disease pp 271–285Cite as

Gender Differences in Atrial Fibrillation: Incidence, Mechanistic Basis of the Differences and Treatment Options

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Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia affecting more than 33 million people worldwide [1]. Atrial fibrillation occurs when atrial electrical remodeling (pulmonary vein triggers, multiple wavelets or rotors) initiates abnormal atrial impulses, these impulses become sustained in the face of atrial remodeling (atrial fibrosis due to factors such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, mitral valve disease and obstructive sleep apnea) [2]. Its prevalence continues to increase, reflecting an aging population as well as an increase in risk factors known to cause AF. A wealth of evidence has improved our ability to diagnose and effectively treat AF. An intriguing aspect of this common disease - gender based differences is well recognized but poorly understood. We will explore the accumulating evidence suggests that significant differences exist in incidence, pathogenesis and response to treatment between men and women in this chapter.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Cardiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA

    Naga Venkata K. C. Pothineni M.D. & Srikanth Vallurupalli M.D.

  2. Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR, USA

    Srikanth Vallurupalli M.D.

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  1. Naga Venkata K. C. Pothineni M.D.
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Stebbins Chair in Cardiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

    Jawahar L. Mehta

  2. College of Nursing, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

    Jean McSweeney

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Pothineni, N.V.K.C., Vallurupalli, S. (2018). Gender Differences in Atrial Fibrillation: Incidence, Mechanistic Basis of the Differences and Treatment Options. In: Mehta, J., McSweeney, J. (eds) Gender Differences in the Pathogenesis and Management of Heart Disease. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71135-5_15

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