title: Prophylaxis and management of postoperative atrial fibrillation.
abstract: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia seen after cardiac surgery. It is associated with prolongation of hospital stay, postoperative complications, stroke, mortality, and increased hospital cost. Several prevention strategies have been proven effective in reducing postoperative AF; in addition, active prevention of postoperative AF is associated with a decrease in the length of hospital stay and a reduction trend in hospital costs. In patients with postoperative AF, restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm and rate control are adequate treatment alternatives in the majority of cases. In severely symptomatic or hemodynamically compromised patients urgent cardioversion is needed. Adequate oral anticoagulation may be indicated for a limited period of time.
authors.affiliation: Arrhythmia Services, Division of Cardiology, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, A253, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada.
authors.forename: Orhan
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Onalan
authors.forename: Ilan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lashevsky
authors.forename: Eugene
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Crystal
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D003663:Decision Trees; D004554:Electric Countershock; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents