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 ventricular (LV) systolic function has not been identified as a risk factor for postoperative AF, but LV diastolic function has not been as extensively evaluated.(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 atrial hypertension and enlargement, both of which are risk factors for the development of AF unassociated with surgery. This study examined whether elevated preoperative LV end-diastolic pressure is associated with postoperative onset of AF.