The aim of this study is to investigate the differences in POAF (postoperative atrial fibrillation) and non-POAF patients using demographic and clinical characteristics and identify predictors affecting POAF after coronary artery bypass grafts in South Korea. This retrospective cohort study included 999 patients followed-up for at least 1 year after coronary artery bypass graft, between January 2011 and December 2015. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess risk factors based on demographics, as well as preoperative and postoperative characteristics. The adjusted multivariate analysis demonstrated that risk factors for POAF were old age (⩾65 years; odds ratio [OR] = 3.022, p < .001), ejection fraction less than 45% (OR = 1.489, p = .036), electrolyte potassium level after surgery (OR = 1.765, p = .003), and the average pain score on Postoperative Day 1 (OR = 1.253, p < .001). The incidence of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery can be reduced through the screening of preoperative risk factors, strict potassium monitoring, and pain management strategies.
Keywords: atrial fibrillation; coronary artery bypass; postoperative complications; risk factors.