Atrial Fib after Bypass Surgery

I had Cardiac Ablation in Nov 2003 performed by Dr.Natalie. I've had a normal heart beat until I had triple bypass surgery performed Aug 21 2007. Since then I've daily incidents of rapid heart beats and a few occurances of artrial fibrillation. My cardiologist assures me this normal after bypass surgery and has prescribed Rythmenol. Is there a risk that the bypass surgery can induce artrial fibrillation again?

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

It is common to have atrial fibrillation after open heart surgery.  The open the sac around your heart to gain access to your heart.  When the close your chest, you may still have blood in or around your pericardium.  Blood is an irritant to the outside heart muscle and can cause inflammation.  There can also be inflammation from were they connected the vein grafts.  The atrial fibrillation usually subsides over time and should be gone within a few months.

If it continues after a few months and does not respond to medications, you may need a touch up procedure.  

I hope this helps. Good luck and thanks for posting.