[Pharmacological therapy for atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery]

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common complications following cardiac surgery. AF is associated with an increased risk of stroke, prolonged hospitalization and increased medical costs. Risk factors of post-operative AF are valvular surgery, advanced age, and pre-operative history of AF. Postoperative AF occurs most frequently at 2 days after the surgery and rarely after 7 post-operative days. Most of post-operative AF is short-lived and terminates until discharge. Because of short-lived nature, rate control with beta-blockers or Ca antagonists is the treatment of choice. Beta-blockers, amiodarone and sotalol are effective in preventing post-operative AF when given before the surgery and for 7 days post-operatively. Anticoagulation with heparin should be given to the patients when thromboembolic risk is high.