The average age of patients enrolled in these trials was 65 and 39% were women. Data was reviewed from 81,210 patients enrolled in seven clinical trials, including one conducted at Cedars-Sinai.Key highlights from the research study include: “In this instance, the results suggest that there may not be a straightforward answer to, ‘Is fish oil good or bad for atrial fibrillation?’ but instead, the answer may depend on the dose.” Data

“Our goal was to bring clarity, answers and actionable information to the broader medical field and to patients,” said Albert, the Lee and Harold Kapelovitz Distinguished Chair in Cardiology. This analytical comparison between studies suggested that the risk of developing atrial fibrillation is dependent on the dose of omega-3 fatty acids.Īlthough there's strong evidence that omega-3 fatty acids can significantly reduce blood triglyceride levels and arthritis pain, most experts agree it's best to get omega-3 fatty acids from eating fish several times a week. To further explore the potential reasons for differences between the results of these studies, Albert and team performed a meta-analysis, which combines the results of multiple scientific studies. However, other clinical trials conducted outside of Cedars-Sinai pointed to an elevated risk of developing atrial fibrillation in patients treated with omega-3 fatty acids, causing confusion among clinicians and patients alike. Albert, MD, MPH, a professor of Cardiology and chair of the Department of Cardiology in the Smidt Heart Institute, suggested neither vitamin D nor the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil prevent the development of atrial fibrillation. It is estimated to affect 33 million people worldwide and can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.Īccording to the 2012 National Health Interview Survey, it is estimated that 7.8 percent of American adults, almost 19 million people, take fish oil supplements. The new study was published today in the peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association Circulation.Ītrial fibrillation is the most common type of abnormal heart rhythm, causing the heart to contract irregularly and, sometimes, too quickly. Smidt Heart Institute researchers have found that taking high doses of fish oil supplements-specifically one gram or more per day-may increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm disturbance with potentially serious complications.

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