title: Atrial fibrillation following myocardial revascularization.
abstract: Atrial fibrillation following coronary artery surgery is common, especially in elderly patients but despite numerous studies its pathophysiological basis is still incompletely understood. It is usually benign and self-limiting, but may be associated with haemodynamic compromise, prolonged hospitalization and embolic stroke. No risk factors (apart from age and preoperative beta-blocker withdrawal) have been shown to be associated with its occurrence. Conventional treatment is usually effective but no prophylactic regime has been identified. Until such a regime is found the incidence of atrial fibrillation following myocardial revascularization may only be reduced by continuing treatment in patients on beta-blockers in the preoperative period and re-establishing this therapy after surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Groby Road Hospital, Leicester, UK.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Underwood
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Weeresena
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Arnold
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Graham
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors