Summary
This cross-sectional observational study of 91 cardiac surgery patients identified independent predictors of post-operative atrial fibrillation, with age 66-75 years, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score, and longer mechanical ventilation duration emerging as significant risk factors. The Charlson Comorbidity Index was confirmed as an independent predictor and incorporated into a proposed risk-assessment tool. The findings suggest that comorbidity burden and perioperative factors, rather than mental health variables, are primary drivers of post-operative atrial fibrillation risk in this cohort.
Regional applicability
This Greek hospital-based study provides clinical evidence on post-operative atrial fibrillation risk stratification applicable to cardiac surgery programmes internationally, including the United Kingdom. The Charlson Comorbidity Index is a widely used risk tool in UK practice; however, the study's relatively small sample size (91 patients) and single-centre design limit direct generalisation to broader UK populations without validation in larger cohorts.
Key measures
Post-operative atrial fibrillation diagnosis; age group; Charlson Comorbidity Index score; hours of mechanical ventilation; anxiety and depression scales; health-related quality of life; frailty assessment; European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II score
Outcomes reported
The study identified demographic and clinical predictors of post-operative atrial fibrillation (occurring 1-5 days post-surgery) in 91 cardiac surgical patients, of whom 44 (48.4%) developed the condition. Multivariable analysis examined age, comorbidity burden, mechanical ventilation duration, anxiety, depression, frailty, and quality of life as potential risk factors.
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