Gender Differences in Indications and Findings of Ambulatory Electrocardiographic Monitoring

Background: There are significant differences in electrocardiographic parameters between males and females. However, there is a lack of data regarding the gender-related differences in indications and findings of ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring (AEM) especially in Middle Eastern population. Purpose: We sought to investigate the gender-related differences in the baseline ECG findings, indications, and findings of AEM in an Iraqi cohort of patients referred for AEM. Methods: Baseline ECG was analyzed for each patient, indications, and findings of AEM for each patient was documented. Results: n = 100 (53% were males and 47% were females). Patients were either referred for 24-hour or 48-hour AEM. Women were referred more for 48 hours AEM than male counterparts (19.1% vs 18.9%). Main indications for AEM referral in males were palpitation (26.41%), bradycardia (16.98%) and presyncope (13.2%) while main indications for AEM referral in females were palpitation (34.04%), presyncope (23.4%), and syncope (14.89%). Baseline ECG was normal in females more than in males (36.17% vs 20.75%). Premature atrial contractions (PAC), atrial fibrillation (AF), supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), ventricular tachycardia (VT) and significant pauses were detected more frequently in females while PVC and first degree heart block were detected more frequently in males. Conclusion: There are some gender-related differences in baseline ECG, indications, and findings of AEM. Further work is warranted to detect the impact of these changes on management and outcomes.