Ventricular arrhythmias in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery

Abstract

Arrhythmias represent one of the most frequent complications during the postoperative period of cardiac surgery. They may worsen patient evolution, increase the in-hospital length of stay, modify therapeutics and increase health costs. Its proper diagnosis and management improves the long-term prognosis of patients. Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery, with other supraventricular arrhythmias being less common. Ventricular arrhythmias are cause of increases in morbidity and mortality. Their main characteristics will be discussed in this review.