Predictive Value of Heart Rate Variability for Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Patients

TL;DR

This study finds that a specific nonlinear heart rate variability measure, DFA Alpha 1, can predict post-surgery atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing a type of heart surgery called off-pump CABG.

Contribution

The study demonstrates that nonlinear HRV metrics, particularly DFA Alpha 1, have predictive value for postoperative AF in off-pump CABG patients.

Findings

Postoperative AF occurred in 40.3% of patients.

DFA Alpha 1 was significantly lower in patients who developed AF and showed the highest predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.725).

Nonlinear HRV measures like DFA Alpha 1 may improve AF risk stratification in off-pump CABG patients.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequent complication after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and is particularly associated with poor outcomes. Heart rate variability (HRV), a non-invasive marker of autonomic function, has been proposed as a tool to predict AF risk, but its utility in off-pump CABG remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of preoperative HRV parameters, including nonlinear metrics, for postoperative AF in patients undergoing off-pump CABG. Materials and Methods: We prospectively enrolled 67 patients undergoing elective off-pump CABG. HRV was assessed using 15 min high-resolution ECGs. Linear and nonlinear HRV parameters were analyzed. Postoperative AF was monitored through continuous ECG (days 0–4), daily 12-lead ECGs (days 5–7), and a 24 h Holter ECG on day 7. Statistical comparisons between AF and non-AF groups were performed, and the predictive accuracy was evaluated using ROC analysis. Results: Postoperative AF occurred in 40.3% (n = 27) of patients. Standard HRV measures (total power, frequency components, LF/HF ratio) did not differ significantly between groups. However, preoperative DFA Alpha 1 was significantly lower in patients who developed AF (p = 0.010) and showed the highest predictive value (AUC = 0.725, specificity = 80%). Alpha 1 also remained significantly reduced postoperatively in the AF group. Other nonlinear parameters, such as low and average fractal dimension, were also lower postoperatively in the AF group. Conclusions: Traditional HRV parameters showed limited predictive value for postoperative AF following off-pump CABG. The nonlinear DFA Alpha 1 index demonstrated a moderate predictive performance and may serve as a useful marker of autonomic dysregulation. Incorporating nonlinear HRV measures into preoperative assessment may improve AF risk stratification.

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