Gender differences in cardiac arrhythmias.
Mild gender-specific differences in myocellular and invasive electrophysiology have been described recently. Importantly, the QT interval is slightly prolonged in women, when compared to men. In men atrial fibrillaton, preexcitation and ventricular tachycardia are found more often. Modifications of the cellular "milieu" come from hormonal factors and the autonomous nervous system. The interaction of theses influences with regional cellular factors will help us in the future to analyze gender-specific factors of arrhythmogenesis and develop treatment and prevention strategies.
Schulze-Bahr
Eric
E
Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany. heart@unimuenster.de
Kirchhof
Paulus
P
Eckardt
Lars
L
Bertrand
Jessica
J
Breithardt
Günter
G
D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012737:Sex Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome