Incidence and Burden of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Strategic Insights -

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has shed light on the incidence and burden of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The research, conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Gothenburg, involved a prospective, multicenter cohort study in Germany, where 198 patients with 3-vessel coronary artery disease or left main disease received an insertable cardiac monitor during CABG. The study found that the cumulative incidence of new-onset AF within a year of surgery was 48%, with a median AF burden of 0.07% during the first year, equivalent to 370 minutes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The incidence of new-onset AF after CABG was found to be higher than previously reported, with 48% of patients developing AF within the first year.
  • The median AF burden during the first year was 0.07% or 370 minutes, indicating a very low AF burden, especially after 30 days.
  • The study questions current guideline recommendations that long-term oral anticoagulation should be considered in patients with new-onset AF after CABG.
  • The research involved 198 patients with 3-vessel coronary artery disease or left main disease, who received an insertable cardiac monitor during CABG.
  • The study found that the AF burden in patients was very low, especially after 30 days, with median AF burden on days 1 through 7 being 3.65% (IQR, 0.95%-9.09%).
  • The study suggests that the current guideline recommendations may need to be reevaluated in light of the findings, which show a very low AF burden in patients after CABG.

Statistics:

  • 48% of patients developed new-onset AF within the first year after CABG.
  • Median AF burden during the first year was 0.07% or 370 minutes.
  • Median AF burden on days 1 through 7 was 3.65% (IQR, 0.95%-9.09%).
  • Median AF burden on days 8 through 30 was 0.04% (IQR, 0%-1.21%).
  • Median AF burden on days 31 through 365 was 0% (IQR, 0%-0.0003%).

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Studies from University of Gothenburg Update Current Data on Atrial Fibrillation (Long-Term Continuous Monitoring of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting). Cardiovascular Week. October 20, 2025; p 173.
  • JAMA. Long-Term Continuous Monitoring of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting. 2025.