Sex Discrepancies in the Population Incidence of Stroke and Hemorrhage Related to Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter.

INTRODUCTION

Atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF) is a well-known risk factor for ischemic stroke. While female sex has been associated with higher stroke risk among AF patients, overall sex-specific real-world burdens of AF-related strokes and hemorrhages are unknown.

METHODS

The 2016-2020 National Inpatient Sample was queried for hospitalizations, morbidity, and mortality due to AF-related ischemic strokes and bleeds. Patient demographic information, vascular risk factors, comorbidities, and stroke characteristics were extracted using ICD-10 codes. Overall incidences were calculated using total population estimates provided by the US Census Bureau, and relative risk was calculated by comparing annual incidences between men and women.

RESULTS

2,420,870 ischemic stroke hospitalizations were identified; 542,635 (22.4%) were associated with AF. Overall, women had similar risk of hospitalization due to AF-related ischemic strokes compared to men; however, women had a higher risk of morbidity and mortality (RR 1.13 and 1.17, respectively; both p < 0.001). In contrast, women had lower incidences of hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality due to AF-related bleeds (RR 0.82, 0.94, and 0.74, respectively; all p < 0.001). Among patients with AF-related ischemic strokes, women had lower rates of anticoagulation use, higher rates of large vessel occlusion, and higher stroke severity (all p < 0.001). These trends persisted among patients 80 years or older (all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Women in the USA have higher incidences of morbidity and mortality from AF-related ischemic strokes than men. Future studies should investigate strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality due to AF-related strokes in women.