POSTOPERATIVE ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IN PATIENTS AFTER CARDIAC SURGERY AMONG YEMENI PATIENTS AT MILITARY CARDIAC CENTRE

Abstract

Background and aims: The most frequent side effect following heart surgery is postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF).This study investigates the prevalence of atrial fibrillation among Yemeni patients at the Military Cardiac Centre from January 1 to June 30, 2024. It aims to identify the timing and predisposing factors of AF post-surgery and evaluate postoperative outcomes, including mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke, in patients with POAF compared to those without.

Patients and methods: A descriptive retrospective study was conducted at the Military Cardiac Centre in Sana’a, Yemen, from January 1 to June 30, 2024. The study focused on patients who underwent cardiac surgery and developed new onset atrial fibrillation (POAF) during their hospitalization. Inclusion criteria required patients to have POAF, while those with prior atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias were excluded. A structured questionnaire was used, alongside patient consent and clinical evaluations, including electrocardiography and blood tests.

Results: Current study of 107 cases at the Heart Centre over six months revealed a 26% prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) post-cardiac surgery. Most patients were aged 40-50 (36%) and 60+ (35%), with a significant correlation between age and AF (p=0.030). Males made up 70% of the cases, predominantly from rural areas (57%). Postoperative metrics such as left atrial volume, ejection fraction, and creatinine levels showed significant variations (p=0.003 to 0.007), as did complications like bleeding and infections between AF and non-AF cases.

Conclusions: In conclusion, key care outcomes, including reintubation, respiratory support, and extended ICU and hospital stays, are linked to postoperative atrial fibrillation, which increases resource utilization. Implementing strategies to identify at-risk patients and modifying risk factors through preventive measures and surgical technique adjustments may help reduce the incidence of atrial fibrillation and lower morbidity and mortality rates in cardiac surgery patients. 

                 

Peer Review History:

Received 6 April 2026;   Reviewed 11 May 2026; Accepted  8 June; Available online 15 July 2026

Academic Editor: Dr. Ahmad Najib, Universitas Muslim Indonesia,  Indonesia, [email protected]

Reviewers:

Dr. Amany Mohamed Alboghdadly, Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, [email protected] 

Dr. George Zhu, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, [email protected]