Preoperative high N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level can predict the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation following off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objective: N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) is one of the biomarkers, increased by myocardial ischemia or subsequent, burdened wall stress. The aim of this study was to assess if NT-pro-BNP can predict the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB).

Methods: NT-pro-BNP was measured preoperatively in 100 OPCAB patients without preoperative AF.