Research Update on Omega-3s and A-Fib

A recent research letter to The European Heart Journal caught my attention. This was a continuing meta-analysis of data linking the use of omega-3 fatty acids to atrial fibrillation. The result of the original analysis in 2020 and the additional studies that were examined in the current meta-analysis led to the conclusion that there’s an increased risk of atrial fibrillation for those who take omega-3 fatty acids. That seemed surprising to me because prior research suggests that there’s a reduced risk of fibrillation in those that use omega-3 fatty acids.

To quote Vince Lombardi, “What the heck is going on around here!”

The concern by the research group seems to be focused on the current recommendations for high-dose prescription fish oil for elevated triglycerides. The problem is that the original meta-analysis that included 14 studies did not just use prescription fish oil; it used fish oil from dietary supplements as well. While the current update seemed to focus on the prescription omega-3s, it also used margarines enhanced with vegetarian-sourced omega-3s.

What are we supposed to do? Dig deeper. Do the results apply to everyone? No. Are there other potential problems with these studies? Yes, and I’ll cover those on Saturday. Until then, if you want a primer on atrial fibrillation, read the link in Reference 3; pay close attention to the map. You can also read the Research Letter by checking out reference 1; it’s open access.

What are you prepared to do today?

        Dr. Chet

References:
1. European Heart Journal – CVD Pharm. 2021 doi:10.1093/ehjcvp/pvab008
2. Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-020-00865-5
3. Atrial Fibrillation Primer. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/atrial_fibrillation.htm