Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of abnormal heart rhythm, causing the heart to contract irregularly and, sometimes, too quickly.
It is estimated to affect 33 million people worldwide and can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.
According to the 2012 National Health Interview Survey, it is estimated that 7.8% of American adults, almost 19 million people, take fish oil supplements.
In a new study from Cedars-Sinai, researchers found omega-3 supplements could raise the risk of Atrial fibrillation.
The finding suggested that the risk of developing atrial fibrillation is dependent on the dose of omega-3 fatty acids.
Previous research showed neither vitamin D nor the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil prevent the development of atrial fibrillation.
However, other studies pointed to an elevated risk of developing atrial fibrillation in patients treated with omega-3 fatty acids, causing confusion among clinicians and patients alike.
In the study, the team performed a meta-analysis, which combines the results of multiple scientific studies.
Data were reviewed from 81,210 patients enrolled in seven clinical trials. The average age of patients enrolled in these trials was 65 and 39% were women.
Out of these patients, 72.6% were in clinical trials testing less than or equal to one gram of omega-3 fatty acids per day and 27.4% were enrolled in clinical trials testing more than one gram of the supplement per day.
The team found patients who took more than one gram per day of omega-3 fatty acids had a 49% increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation, compared to just 12% of patients who took one gram or less of the supplement per day.
Now armed with this information, the team has recommendations for clinicians, researchers and patients.
If clinicians offer high-dose omega-3 fatty acid supplements, they should first discuss the potential risk of developing atrial fibrillation, and patients should be informed about the potential signs and symptoms of the condition so an early diagnosis can be made and coupled with appropriate treatment.
If you care about vitamin and your health, please read studies about these vitamins may help reduce respiratory complaints and findings of this vitamin deficiency could strongly increase risk of COVID-19.
For more information about nutrition and wellness, please see recent studies about this common vitamin may protect you from type 2 diabetes and results showing that this vitamin level may help predict your future health risks and death.
One researcher of the study is Christine M. Albert, MD, MPH.
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