Specific Premature Ventricular Complex Characteristics in Women: Insights from a Patient Cohort.

Abstract

Background: Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are common arrhythmias that can range from benign to clinically significant. While PVCs have been extensively studied in the general population, gender-specific differences in their characteristics, prevalence, and clinical impact remain underexplored. This study aims to investigate the unique features of PVCs in women and their potential implications for diagnosis and management.

Methods: We analyzed a cohort of female patients diagnosed with PVCs, assessing their electrocardiographic patterns, symptomatology, and clinical outcomes. Data were collected from medical records, including Holter monitoring, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and echocardiographic findings. The study also evaluated the association between PVC burden and underlying cardiac conditions.

Results: This study analyzed 161 patients (59 females, 91 males) with PVCs, revealing significant sex-based differences. Males were older, had higher BMI, and smoked more, while females experienced more presyncope. ECGs showed greater QRS fragmentation in males. TTE and CMR found males had larger ventricles, lower EF, and more myocardial fibrosis (LGE: 59.34% vs. 37.93%). Patients with LGE were older and had worse clinical outcomes, including higher ICD implantation and hospitalization rates. Despite these structural differences, treatment efficacy was similar across groups.

Conclusion: This study highlights key differences in PVC characteristics among women, underscoring the need for gender-specific approaches in clinical evaluation and management. Recognizing these distinctions may aid in early diagnosis, reduce unnecessary interventions, and improve patient outcomes. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term implications of PVCs in women and optimize therapeutic strategies.