Predictors of conversion of atrial fibrillation after cardiac operation in the absence of class I or III antiarrhythmic medications.

BACKGROUND: Although risk factors for the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardiac operations have been studied extensively, predictors of conversion to sinus rhythm within 24 hours of onset have not been examined. METHODS: Eleven hundred consecutive adults undergoing cardiovascular operations from July 1997 to June 1998 were screened for new onset AF after operation. Patients with chronic persistent preoperative AF or those who died within 48 hours of the operation were excluded. RESULTS: Three hundred fifty-three patients develop