Bridging the gender gap in atrial fibrillation.

Women have a similar lifetime prevalence of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) compared with that of men. Given the significant morbidity and potential mortality associated with NVAF, it is crucial to understand gender differences with NVAF. Women can be more symptomatic than men. Despite a higher baseline stroke risk, they are less likely to be on anticoagulation. Women have a greater risk of thromboembolism and a similar rate of bleeding risk compared with men on anticoagulation. Initial experience suggests that novel oral anticoagulants have similar safety and efficacy profile in men and women. Although women can have more adverse reactions from antiarrhythmic therapies, they are often referred later than men for ablation. As a group, a mitigating factor in ablation referral is that women also have a higher incidence of procedural complications from catheter ablation. This review summarizes the available literature highlighting significant gender-based differences and also highlights areas for research to improve NVAF outcomes in women.

Serious aortic complications in a patient with Turner syndrome.

An asymptomatic young woman was discovered to have life-threatening aneurysms and dissection of the thoracic aorta during routine evaluation in a Turner syndrome (TS) study. The presence of a heart murmur and hypertension had led to diagnosis and surgical repair of an atrial septal defect at age 5 and of aortic coarctation at age 12. The diagnosis of TS was made at 16 years of age due to short stature and delayed pubertal development. She was treated with growth hormone from age 16 to 18 and with atenolol, thyroid hormone, and estrogen. She discontinued her medications and was lost to medical follow-up at age 20. Upon presenting here at age 26, she reported a very active lifestyle, including vigorous exercise and an acting career, with no symptoms of chest or back pain or shortness of breath. Cardiovascular imaging revealed aortic regurgitation, an unsuspected dissection of a severely dilated ascending aorta, and a large descending aortic aneurysm. She required surgical replacement of her aortic valve and ascending aorta, followed by endovascular repair of the descending aortic aneurysm. This patient illustrates the importance of considering the diagnosis of TS in girls with congenital aortic defects and the absolute necessity for close, expert follow-up of these patients who are at high risk for complications after surgical repair due to an underlying aortopathy, hypertension, and metabolic disorders. This patient also emphasizes the need to publicize and follow screening guidelines as there is an increasing number of patients with congenital defects who need transition to adult care.