title: Prevention of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery.
abstract: Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia occurring after heart surgery. Its prevalence after coronary artery bypass surgery is 17-33%. Atrial fibrillation requires additional treatment, lengthens hospitalization and increases the overall expenses of cardiac surgery. Atrial fibrillation can cause hemodynamic problems, predispose to congestive heart failure and increase the risk of stroke. Beta-blockers have been shown to effectively prevent atrial fibrillation, and beta-blockers should be a part of the medication of every patient undergoing cardiac surgery, if there are no contraindications. Amiodarone therapy can also be considered for especially high-risk patients.
authors: Department of Surgery, Knorth Karelia Central Hospital, Tikkamäentie 16, Joensuu, 80210, and Kuopio University Hospital, Finland.
authors: Hakala
authors: H
authors: Tapio
authors: Halonen
authors: H
authors: Jari
authors: Mäkinen
authors: M
authors: Kimmo
authors: Hartikainen
authors: H
authors: Juha
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000638:Amiodarone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018890:Chemoprevention; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008274:Magnesium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D008274:Magnesium; D000638:Amiodarone