Association between the use of non-antiarrhythmic drugs and postoperative atrial fibrillation

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the association between statins, N -acetylcysteine (NAC) and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods A total of 590 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass and/or valve surgery were studied. An AF episode lasting >5 min during hospitalization was accepted as endpoint. Results AF rate was 18% ( n =106). Multivariable positive predictors of AF included age ≥65, left atrial diameter ≥45 mm, cross clamp time; negative predictors included use of left internal mammarian artery, NAC, and ACEIs or ARBs. Conclusions ACEIs or ARBs and NAC is associated with low incidence of postoperative AF, however, this association was not found with statin or combined use these agents.