Women with atrial fibrillation have a 20-30% excess risk of stroke compared to men and experience poorer functional outcomes, yet remain underrepresented in clinical trials.
This review emphasizes the higher risk of AF-related stroke in women and the critical need for sex-specific data to optimize anticoagulation and interventions.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. Women have a higher risk of AF-related stroke and poorer outcomes than men. Despite this, women are underrepresented in anticoagulation trials and receive fewer advanced interventions. Many studies lack sex-specific data. Emerging evidence suggests early anticoagulation after AF-related stroke may benefit women more, emphasizing the need for sex-stratified data to improve risk prediction, identify key biomarkers, and optimize treatment.
McAlister et al. (2026) conducted a review in Atrial fibrillation and thromboembolic stroke. Women with atrial fibrillation have a 20-30% excess risk of stroke compared to men and experience poorer functional outcomes, yet remain underrepresented in clinical trials.