It is a truism that the heart of a woman is unique – including how it beats.
“There are many cardiac differences between men and women,” says Andrea M. Russo, M.D., Director of the Cooper Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia Program. “Women usually have a faster resting heart rate than men, they have smaller heart vessels, and there are even differences in the electrical activity in the heart,” says Dr. Russo.
Unfortunately, these differences were unknown and unexplored for many years, as traditionally clinical trials for new medications and implantable devices were conducted predominantly on men.
To address this disparity, Dr. Russo has researched and published extensively on gender differences in cardiac arrhythmias. In addition to variances in response to treatments, Dr. Russo noted a discrepancy in the proportion of symptomatic males and females who are referred by physicians for cardiac evaluation and treatment.
“Females are less likely to have implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) implanted than men and are also underrepresented in referrals for other arrhythmia treatment, specifically catheter ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. While women represent over half of all individuals who have atrial fibrillation in the United States, only 23 percent of atrial fibrillation ablation procedures are performed in women,” says Dr. Russo.
While many arrhythmias can exist without signs or symptoms, the most common symptoms in women are palpitations (feeling that your heart is skipping a beat, fluttering, or beating too hard or fast), an irregular heartbeat or feeling pauses between heartbeats.
Of more concern are arrhythmias that occur in conjunction with other symptoms such as : weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting or nearly fainting, sweating, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
“Women and men may present with similar symptoms,” Dr. Russo said, “but in women, some symptoms, such as palpitations, may be taken less seriously. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety than men.”
Regardless of gender, Dr. Russo advises anyone with recurring heart rhythm issues to:
- Talk with your primary care physician.
- See a heart specialist (a cardiologist or electrophysiologist) for diagnostic testing.
- Develop a plan for evaluation and treatment with your doctor, and follow the recommendations.
“Proper evaluation and treatment can often control or eliminate irregular heartbeats and extend your life,” Dr. Russo said.
For an evaluation of a cardiac arrhythmia at the Cooper Heart Institute, call: 856.342.2034.