What is secondary AF?
Secondary AF has been defined as self limited atrial fibrillation caused by a reversible etiology. Conditions which cause secondary AF are myocardial infarction, myocarditis, pericarditis, acute pulmonary disease, hyperthyroidism, ethanol intoxication, sepsis and postoperative state. It is well known that postoperative AF can increase the morbidity and ICU/hospital stay after cardiac and non cardiac surgery.
Reference
- Quon MJ, Behlouli H, Pilote L. Anticoagulant Use and Risk of Ischemic Stroke and Bleeding in Patients With Secondary Atrial Fibrillation Associated With Acute Coronary Syndromes, Acute Pulmonary Disease, or Sepsis. JACC Clin Electrophysiol. 2018 Mar;4(3):386-393.