Common complication following surgery.

• Position: Irregular Heartbeat - Brief Article

The evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the prevention and management of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardiac surgery have been released by the American College of Chest Physicians, Northbrook, Ill. They offer specific recommendations on cardiac pacing, anticoagulation therapy, pharmaceutical prophylaxis, intraoperative interventions, and pharmacologic control of ventricular rate and rhythm. Atrial fibrillation, or irregular heartbeat, is a common condition that occurs increasingly with age and is one of the most frequent complications following 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," cautions Peter P. McKeown of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Asheville, N.C.

Recommendations center on the main issues that arise in managing patients with postoperative AF, including overall prevention; control of ventricular response rate...