Defining the Links Between Oxidative Stress–Based Biomarkers and Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation

A trial fibrillation (AF) is the most common form of cardiacarrhythmia. In 2010, an estimated 2.7 to 6.1 million patients in the United States displayed AF.1 The prevalence of AF continues to grow, with an estimated prevalence in the United States between 5.6 and 12 million cases by 2050.1,2 Many epidemiological characteristics alter AF risk, with age being the most striking. In fact, sporadic AF affects 2.3% individuals over the age of 40, and greater than 10 % of individuals over the age of 80 years.3,4 Due to the high prevalence of AF, national healthcare costs associated with AF treatment are estimated at $26 billion annually.5 Despite this prevalence, the mechanisms of AF are not well under-stood and are a critical area for translational research. AF is associated with a 1.5- to 1.9-fold increased mortality risk.6 This increase is primarily due to thromboembolic events, particularly stroke.6 Treatment of AF can be either pharmaco