Statistical analysis
We assessed continuous variables for normality using the
Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. These variables are expressed as mean ±
standard deviation (SD). To compare continuous variables, we employed
the t-test. Categorical variables are presented as frequencies and
percentages and were analyzed with either the Chi-square test or
Fisher’s exact test, depending on their suitability. Incidence rates of
MACCE are expressed as events per 100 patient-years. The Kaplan-Meier
curve illustrated the percentage of patients remaining free from AF
recurrences over time, with a separate analysis by gender. We used Cox
proportional hazards regression analysis to determine the risk factors
for AF recurrence and MACCE, with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95%
confidence intervals (CIs) presented as HR (95% CI). Additionally,
logistic regression analysis identified risk factors for MACCE, adopting
P < 0.10 as the inclusion significance level for the model. We
considered possible confounders including age, gender, AF type, AF
duration since initial diagnosis,
CHA2DS2-VASc score and its components,
alcohol intake, left atrial diameter (LAD) ≥40 mm, and obesity (body
mass index ≥28.0).
To balance the baseline clinical characteristics between genders, we
performed a 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM), considering factors
such as age ≥60 years, obesity, AF duration since diagnosis,
hypertension, stroke, vascular disease,
CHA2DS2-VASc score above 2 (including
risk factors other than female), AF type, and LAD ≥40 mm. Data analysis
was executed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 22.0, with a significance
threshold set at p < 0.05.