Indian Journal of Anaesthesia | 2019
Risk factors for postoperative atrial fibrillation
Abstract
There are several studies on postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) and lots of well-defined predictive factors. Use of some medications, such as beta-blocking agents, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, statins, and glucocorticoids, is protective toward POAF. Postoperative inflammation is one of the causes of AF, so glucocorticoids and statins have beneficial effects via reducing inflammation. ACE inhibitors reverse atrial remodeling and improve diastolic function by decreasing afterload preventing POAF by reducing atrial pressures and fibrosis.[2]