August 14, 2005                                [  >  Avoiding atrial fibrillation after heart surgery Avoiding atrial fibrillation after heart surgery New guidelines should help avoid the problem of atrial fibrillation after heart surgery. Around one third of patients undergoing heart surgery experience atrial fibrillation (AF), a form of abnormal heart rhythm. This leads to an increased risk of mortality and, often, to a longer hospital stay. Now experts at the American College of Chest Physicians reveal the first evidence-based guidelines on the avoidance and treatment of AF after heart surgery. For instance, they suggest the use of beta blockers, rather than calcium channel blockers, for the overall prevention of AF. Magnesium and digitalis are not recommended on a routine basis, but those who can't take beta blockers may benefit fro

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