Guidelines issued for atrial fibrillation

NORTHBROOK, Ill., Aug 09, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- The first evidence-based clinical guidelines for prevention and management of atrial fibrillation occurring after cardiac surgery have been released.

The guidelines offer specific recommendations on cardiac pacing, anti-coagulation therapy, pharmaceutical prophylaxis, intraoperative interventions and pharmacologic control of atrial fibrillation.

Irregular heartbeat is a common condition that occurs increasingly with age and is one of the most frequent complications of cardiac surgery.

"Over one third of patients suffer from AF after cardiac surgery, which is associated with a higher risk of operative morbidity, increased hospital stay and increased hospital cost," said study Co-Chairman Peter McKeown of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Asheville, N.C.

"Although previous guidelines have focused on the management of chronic AF, our guidelines are the first to address AF associated with cardiac surgery."

Overall, the guidelines recommend use of beta-blockers instead of calcium channel blockers and recommend against the routine use of magnesium and digitalis.

Researchers said AF developing after cardiac surgery places the patient at risk for thromboembolism and stroke, both which may require anti-coagulants. Yet, the researchers said cardiac surgery may increase a patient's tendency to bleed.

The study is detailed in the August issue of CHEST.