Effectiveness of digitalis with or without acebutolol in preventing atrial arrhythmias after coronary artery surgery.

Author(s): Kowey PR, Dalessandro DA, Herbertson R, Briggs B, Wertan MA, Rials SJ, Filart RA, Marinchak RA

Affiliation(s): Cardiovascular Division, Lankenau Hospital and Medical Research Center, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania 19096, USA.

Publication date & source: 1997-04-15, Am J Cardiol., 79(8):1114-7.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

In this study, a beta-adrenergic blocker in combination with digoxin provided marginal protection against atrial fibrillation/flutter after coronary artery surgery. The economic comparison of patients who did and did not develop atrial fibrillation/flutter indicates that prevention of these arrhythmias can have a significant impact on length of hospital stay and cost of this common surgical procedure.