Abnormal Heartbeat After Bypass a Bad Sign

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Atrial fibrillation after bypass surgery has not been regarded as a major problem, said Dr. Gregg Fonarow, a professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, and a spokesman for the American Heart Association

"It was regarded as something that might prolong the length of stay in the hospital and require additional management, but it has not been appreciated that it might be associated with an increased long-term risk of mortality," Fonarow said.

He agreed that the exact role of atrial fibrillation in the risk equation is not known. The heart rhythm abnormality tends to occur in people who are at higher risk because they are older and have other medical problems, Fonarow said.

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Still, attention must be paid when atrial fibrillation is detected after a bypass operation, he said. "These patients should be recognized as being at higher risk," Fonarow said. "They should be monitored closely and appropriate treatment should be applied."

More information

Atrial fibrillation and its treatment are described by the American Heart Association.

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