Age and Gender Influences on Rate and Duration of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation |
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Authors: | KATERINA HNATKOVA JOHAN EP WAKTARE FRANCIS D MURGATROYD XIAHOUA GUO A JOHN CAMM MAREK MALIK |
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Institution: | Department of Cardiological Sciences, St. George's Hospital Medical School, London, England |
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Abstract: | The influence of age and gender on the character of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) has not been described. Methods: The heart rate (HR) during PAF in patients receiving placebo or antiarrhythmic therapy was analyzed. Data from 177 24-hour Holter recordings were analyzed to mark the onset and termination of PAF and converted into RR interval files. PAF episodes lasting at least 2 minutes and containing ± 20% noise were included. HR during the first 30-second segment versus during the remainder of the episode, and the duration of PAF episodes were compared among groups of different ages and sex (Wilcoxon test). Results: 236 episodes from 55 recordings in 32 patients (all patients: 61.4 ± 12.8 years; men (19): 58.5 ± 12.6 years; women (13) 65.5 ± 12.4 years, P = ns for difference in age) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Women had a higher mean heart rate at AF onset (123 ± 35 beats/min vs 115 ± 20 beats/min, P = 0.02) and during the remainder of the episode (120 ± 25 beats/min vs 112 ± 22 beats/min at the start, P = 0.01, and 116 ± 26 beats/min vs 108 ± 18 beats/min subsequently, P = 0.01). Episodes tended to be longer in women (mean 89.8 min vs 50.5 min, P = NS) and in the aged (mean 83.8 min vs 46.9 min, P = NS). Conclusion: PAF episodes are associated with faster heart rates and last longer in women, which may reflect differing autonomic responses to AF. A slower ventricular rate during PAF in older patients probably reflects an increasing prevalence of impaired atrioventricular conduction. |
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Keywords: | atrial fibrillation aging effects gender influences Holter recording |
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