The effect of mitral valve replacement on atrial fibrillation behaviour

Abstract

The association between rheumatic mitral valve disease, especially mitral stenosis and atrial fibrillation (AF) is well known but few data exist regarding the impact of AF after mitral valve replacement (MVR) on NYHA functional class. Atrial fibrillation (AF) persisting after mitral valve surgery reduces survival due to heart failure and thrombo-embolisms and impairs quality of life. Restoration of the sinus rhythm might lead to a lower incidence of thrombo-embolism and valve-related complications in the postoperative period. Although previous studies on mitral valve surgery demonstrated a high prevalence of persisting postoperative AF. Few studies have revealed prevalence of AF in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery varies from30 to 50%. An increased left atrial size and rheumatic diseasecausing mitral valve pathology are frequently associated ABSTRACT