This page was reviewed by the ERAS Cardiac Editorial Team and is provided for general education only. Always talk with your care team about your individual treatment plan and recovery needs.
Summary
After heart surgery, some patients may experience a change in heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation, or AFib. It is one of the most common rhythm changes during recovery. Not all care teams use the same recovery pathway, but teams who follow ERAS Cardiac principles may include early awareness and monitoring of heart rhythm as part of recovery planning.
This page is meant to build awareness, support understanding, and help guide questions patients may wish to discuss with their care team. It does not replace medical advice and does not reflect the practices of every hospital.
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AI Assistance Statement
This summary was developed with assistance from artificial intelligence and reviewed, edited, and approved by the listed editor(s). Reference: OpenAI (2025). ChatGPT (November version) [Large language model].
https://chat.openai.com
ERAS Cardiac VEC Disclaimer
The Virtual Education Center (VEC) and all included content are provided for general education about enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery. The information has been reviewed by healthcare professionals but is not meant to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every patient’s situation is unique. Always talk with your own doctor or care team about what is best for you.
For questions or comments about the ERAS Cardiac VEC, please contact us.