In this study, effectiveness of digoxin + metoprolol for prophylaxis of atrial fibrillation after coronary bypass surgery was investigated.

One hundred and sixty three cases who underwent elective coronary bypass surgery has been performed in 1998, were divided into 2 groups. Metoprolol 100 mg/day preoperatively, digoxin 0.5 mg, 2 x 1, IV at day 0 postoperatively, and digoxin 0.25 mg/day and metoprolol 100 mg/day after the first day of operation was administered In Group A (no: 75). These drugs were not given to 88 patients that constituted the control group (Group B). There were no statically significant difference between the groups in relation to preoperative characteristics or operative findings.

Atrial fibrillation was detected in 11 cases from Group A (14.6%), and in 28 cases from Group B (31.8%) in the early postoperative period. Normal sinus rhythm was restored in all by medical drug therapy or cardioversion. The difference between the groups related to atrial fibrillation was statistically significant (p<0.05).

Prophylaxis with digoxin + metoprolol was found to be effective in preventing postcoronary bypass surgery atrial fibrillation.