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Despite a lack of demonstrated efficacy, potassium and magnesium supplementation are commonly thought to prevent postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after cardiac operation. Our aim was to evaluate the natural time course of electrolyte level changes after cardiac operation and their relation to POAF occurrence.

Data were reviewed from 2,041 adult patients without preoperative AF who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, valve operation, or both between 2009 and 2013. In patients with POAF, the plasma potassium and magnesium levels nearest to the first AF onset time were compared with time-matched electrolyte levels in patients without AF.

POAF occurred in 752 patients (36.8%). At the time of AF onset or the matched time point, patients with POAF had higher potassium (4.30 versus 4.21 mmol/L, p < 0.001) and magnesium (2.33 versus 2.16 mg/dL, p < 0.001) levels …