Abstract 14472: Indications for ICD Implantation Differ Between Women and Men

Introduction: The impact of gender on ICD implantation practice and survival remain a topic of controversy. We analysed differences between men and women in patients implanted with an ICD in Belgium. Methods: The Belgian governmental health care institution (RIZIV/INAMI) keeps track of every ICD implantation by a digital registry. Participation is mandatory for reimbursement. From this registry, we analysed all new ICD implantations between 01/02/2010 and 31/01/2019 in Belgian patients. We compared men with women for baseline patient characteristics. We used a Chi 2 test for categorical variables (NYHA class, primary vs secondary prevention, underlying heart disease, type of device, QRS duration, presence of atrial fibrillation, diabetes and other comorbidity, center volume, population density and average income of the area of residency) and a Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables [age and ejection fraction(EF)]. We used the Bonferroni method to correct for multiple testing. Secondly, we performed a Kaplan-Meier analysis. At last, we performed a multivariate logistic regression for 3-year and total mortality. Results: Only 3146 (20.8%) on 14747 implantations were in women. Women were significantly younger and had a better EF compared to men. Except for oncological history, women had less comorbidities (table 1). More women functioned in NYHA class > II and had a QRS > 150ms, which was consistent with a higher CRT-D vs VVI/DDD ratio. Kaplan-Meier showed a survival benefit in women (log-rank, p= Conclusions: Only a minority of patients implanted with a new ICD in Belgium are women. Their clinical profile differs from men. Their long-term survival is better, which can in part be explained by differences in indications and comorbidities.