Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia in patients with ischaemic heart disease. New-onset atrial fibrillation after coronary revascularisation is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. This study aimed to determine the long-term cumulative incidence of new-onset atrial fibrillation after percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

A prospective observational cohort study in a real-world population setting, conducted at three tertiary centres, on new-onset atrial fibrillation incidence after percutaneous coronary intervention (N=123) or coronary artery bypass grafting (N=123). Heart rhythm was monitored the first 30 days in hospital by telemetry and on discharge using a handheld thumb ECG device three times a day, and thereafter for 2-week periods at 3, 12 and 24 months. The primary endpoint was the cumulative incidence of new-onset atrial fibrillation 24 months after the index procedure. Secondary objectives were to describe the incidence of cerebral ischaemic stroke and bleeding, myocardial infarction and major bleeding events during 24 months follow-up.

Mean age was 67 years, and male sex was more prevalent. At 30 days, the cumulative incidence of atrial fibrillation was 56% (69/123) in the coronary artery bypass graft group and 2% (3/123) in the percutaneous coronary intervention group. At 24 months, the cumulative incidence of atrial fibrillation was 58% (71/123) in the coronary artery bypass graft group and 6% (7/123) in the percutaneous coronary intervention group. Stroke, myocardial infarction and major bleeding were infrequent during follow-up.

Over 24 months of follow-up, incident new-onset atrial fibrillation mainly occurred during the first 30 days after coronary artery bypass grafting but was more evenly distributed during 24 months after percutaneous coronary intervention.

NCT04307225.