Preoperative factors predisposing to early postoperative atrial fibrillation after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting

Advanced age and a history of atrial fibrillation (AF) have been consistent predictors of the onset of AF after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) , a complication that occurs in 20% to 40% of patients.(1-4) Left ventricul ar (LV) systolic function has not been identified as a risk factor for post operative AF, but LV diastolic function has not been as extensively evaluat ed.(2,5,6) LV end-diastolic pressure is a surrogate marker of LV diastolic function. Elevation of LV end-diastolic pressure is associated with left at rial hypertension and enlargement, both of which are risk factors for the d evelopment of AF unassociated with surgery. This study examined whether ele vated preoperative LV end-diastolic pressure is associated with postoperati ve onset of AF.