Continuous ECG Monitoring for Detection of Undiagnosed POAF

Highlights Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) occurs in 30% to 50% of patients after cardiac surgery during their hospital stay, with peak incidence noted at 3 to 5 days. The incidence of POAF after discharge is not well defined. This randomized clinical trial evaluated continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring in cardiac surgical patients post-hospitalization Continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring revealed a significant increase in the rate of POAF after discharge that would otherwise be undetected by usual care. This Journal Watch discusses the study “ Effect of Continuous Electrocardiogram Monitoring on Detection of Undiagnosed Atrial Fibrillation after Hospitalization for Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial ” from JAMA Network Open, 2021.

Authors : Andrew C. T. Ha, Subodh Verma, David Mazer, et al What was the need for the study? POAF is associated with a two-fold…