The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Oct 2017
Underestimation of the incidence of new-onset post-coronary artery bypass grafting atrial fibrillation and its impact on 30-day mortality.
Inconsistent definitions of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting have caused uncertainty about its incidence and risk. We examined the extent to which limiting the definition to post-coronary artery bypass grafting atrial fibrillation events requiring treatment underestimates its incidence and impact on 30-day mortality. ⋯ Defining post-coronary artery bypass grafting atrial fibrillation as episodes requiring treatment significantly underestimates incidence and misses patients at a significantly increased risk for mortality. Further research is needed to determine whether this increased risk carries over into long-term outcomes and whether it is mediated by differences in treatment and management.