Fish oil supplements ineffectual for reducing irregular heartbeat

A new study has revealed that consuming high doses of fish oil supplements that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids do not reduce irregular heartbeat.

According to the study, 337 patients with atrial fibrillation, who had not received conventional antiarrhythmic therapy, were randomly assigned to 4 grams of fish oil a day or to placebo for up to 16 months and it was revealed that 64.1 percent of patients who had received fish oil experienced a recurrence of atrial fibrillation compared to 63.2 percent of those taking placebo.

The study led by the Montreal Heart Institute concluded that fish oil supplements did not reduce inflammation or oxidative stress markers, which may explain its lack of efficacy.

Lead investigator Dr. Anil Nigam, Cardiologist at the Montreal Heart Institute and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Montreal Fish oil has no role in the rhythm-control management of atrial fibrillation, said l that what is well-known and should be recommended to prevent heart disease and reduce blood pressure is a Mediterranean-type diet rich in natural omega-3 fats and other nutrients, including fresh fruits and veggies, legumes, olive oil, while lowering intake of red meat, trans fats and saturated fats.

Nigam added that they believe that such a strategy might also be beneficial for the treatment of atrial fibrillation although more studies are required.

The study was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.