title: Atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery: an evidence-based approach to prevention.
abstract: A number of advances in surgical and anesthetic techniques have reduced the risk for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. However, postoperative atrial fibrillation remains common, with an incidence ranging between 25% and 40%. It is associated with an increased incidence of congestive heart failure, renal insufficiency, and stroke that prolongs hospitalization and increases rates of readmission after discharge. Consequently, there has been great interest in strategies to prevent this arrhythmia. When both safety and efficacy are considered, the available evidence to date suggests that only beta-blockers can be recommended for the prevention of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery. Other treatments might be considered on an individual basis after careful consideration of the patient's potential for side effects.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiothoracic Anesthesia, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA.
authors.forename: Rajagopal
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kailasam
authors.forename: Christopher A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Palin
authors.forename: Charles W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Hogue
mesh_terms: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents