title: Treatment of postoperative atrial fibrillation: a nonsurgical perspective.
abstract: Atrial fibrillation is a common complication of cardiovascular surgery. The 2 most important risk factors for its development are advancing age and a preoperative history of atrial fibrillation. Long-term sequelae, such as a stroke, are uncommon; however, atrial fibrillation frequently results in an increased length and cost of hospitalization. Strategies to prevent postoperative atrial fibrillation include perioperative beta-blockers, amiodarone, and atrial pacing. These strategies are most effective in high-risk patients. When atrial fibrillation does occur, treatment includes control of the ventricular rate, systemic anticoagulation, and conversion back to sinus rhythm.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Solomon
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000465:Algorithms; D000638:Amiodarone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000638:Amiodarone