Comparision of efficacy of Metoprolol and Nebivolol for preventing atrial fibrillation after coronary bypass surgery in patients over 60 years old.

Objective: Postoperative atrial fibrillation is the most common complication affecting morbidity and mortality after coronary bypass grafting. To prevent this complication there are several medical agents in use. Metoprolol is a beta blocker which is commonly used for this purpose. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of nebivolol, a new beta blocker with different and positive effects beside its beta blocker effects, with metoprolol.Method: Data of 200 patients over 60 years old was collected prospectively who underwent isolated coronary bypass surgery at Turgut Ozal Medical Center between October 2009 and June 2010. Two study groups were designed, each consisted of 100 patients. Nebivolol was administered for one (group 1) and metoprolol for other (group 2). Data were collected preoperatively, postoperatively and at the time of discharge.Results: the demographic properties of two groups were similar statistically. Atrial fibrillation incidence was 20% at nebivolol group and 18% at metoprolol group. There was no difference statistically. Blood pressure and heart rate differences between preoperative, postoperative and at the time of discharge were statistically significant in two groups and these changes are similar between two groups statistically.Conclusion: Nebivolol was found as effective as metoprolol for preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation. It was also as effective as metoprolol for regulation of blood pressure and heart rates. The anti-atherosclerotic effects, antioxidant properties and vasodilatator characteristics are other positive effects of nebivolol beside its beta blocker properties. For this reason nebivolol is a new beta blocker and must be concerned for rutin use in preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation and for other indications in cardiovascular surgery.