Sex-differences in Newly Diagnosed Severe Aortic Stenosis in British Columbia (B.C.) between 2012 - 2022

Abstract Background Despite its high prevalence, little is known about the effect of sex on the management and outcomes of aortic stenosis (AS). We sought to characterize the effect of sex on the clinical evaluation for and provision of aortic valve replacement (AVR), including surgical (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), and subsequent morbidity and mortality outcomes. Methods A comprehensive chart review was conducted on all patients with a first diagnosis of severe aortic stenosis (AS) at Vancouver General and University of British Columbia Hospitals from 2012 to 2022. Exact chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to evaluate variables of interest. Results A total of 1794 studies met inclusion criteria, comprising 782 females (44%) and 1012 males (56%). Females were significantly older than males at the time of first diagnosis (79 versus 75 years, p<0.001). Females were significantly less likely to be evaluated by the TAVR clinic, cardiac surgeon, or to receive aortic valve intervention (p-value≤0.001). Females were significantly more likely to be rejected for TAVR due to older age (OR 0.23 (0.07, 0.59)), comorbid conditions (OR 0.68 (0.47, 0.97)), and frailty (OR 0.23 (0.07, 0.59)). Females were significantly more likely to be rejected for SAVR on the basis of frailty (OR 0.66 (0.46, 0.94)). Females also had significantly higher rates of 1-year mortality, hospitalization, and heart failure hospitalization compared to males (p-values < 0.05). Conclusion Our data suggest significant sex-based discrepancies in the management of AS. Females with severe AS are diagnosed later in life and are less likely to be evaluated for valve intervention. They are less likely to receive intervention due to older age, frailty, and multimorbid conditions. Further research is warranted for more effective identification and follow up of aortic stenosis as well as timely referral for AVR, where appropriate, especially of females.