Circulation
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Atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass graft surgery is a difficult problem and a continuing source of morbidity and mortality. However, the prognostic implications of postoperative AF are still in dispute. Our aim was to ascertain the impact of AF after coronary artery bypass graft on postoperative survival and to assess its prognostic role in cause-specific mortality. ⋯ Postoperative AF affects early and late mortality after isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Patients affected by AF are at higher risk of fatal embolic events. Careful postoperative surveillance with a specific antiarrhythmic and antithrombotic prophylaxis, aimed at reducing AF and its complications, is recommended.