Quantitative electrocardiography for predicting postoperative atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) after cardiac surgery is a common marker of poor outcomes. Quantitative electrocardiographic (ECG) measurements may be valuable predictors of postoperative AF.MethodsWe evaluated clinical and ECG predictors of postoperative AF in 13 356 patients who underwent cardiac surgery in sinus rhythm.ResultsA total of 4724 patients (35%) developed postoperative AF. P-wave amplitude in leads aVR and V1 were the strongest ECG predictors. A less negative P-wave amplitude in lead aVR was associated with increased risk for postoperative AF (odds ratio, 1.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.32-1.61), as was a more positive or a more negative P-wave amplitude in lead V1 (odds ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-1.36) after adjusting for clinical and procedural predictors of postoperative AF. Reclassification analysis showed a 7% discrimination improvement (P < .0001).ConclusionsP-wave amplitude in lead aVR and lead V1 are powerful predictors of postoperative AF and, in combination with other clinical predictors, can guide application of prophylactic interventions.