Atrial fibrillation following cardiac surgery.

Atrial arrhythmias are the most common complication of cardiac surgeries, occurring in 30% of patients undergoing coronary revascularization and 60% of patients having valvular surgeries. The most frequently occurring atrial arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (AF), not only causes uncomfortable palpitations, but has also been shown to increase postoperative hospital length of stay and morbidity, including hemodynamic compromise and stroke. Both the frequency and the potential consequences of AF make prevention and early intervention important aspects in the postoperative care of cardiac surgery patients.