Fish Oil Is Not Effective For Preventing Atrial Fibrillation

Previous studies have shown that fish oil supplements can help with weight loss and other health benefits. However, recent findings published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology show that it is unlikely to prevent the return of a common type of irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation.

This health issue, which is experienced by an estimated 2.7 million Americans , occurs when an irregular heartbeat races up to 150 beats per minute; a normal heartbeat is about 70 per minute.

Furthermore, about 64.1 percent of those taking fish oil for its omega-3 fatty acids, experienced new bouts of atrial fibrillation over the course of 16 months, compared to 63.2 percent of those on a placebo, according to Health Day.

"Fish oil has no role to play in the treatment of atrial fibrillation," said lead study author Dr. Anil Nigam, an associate professor in the department of medicine at the University of Montreal.

For the study, researchers randomly assigned 337 patients with the health issue who were not being treated with medications to prevent the abnormal heart rhythm to 4 grams of fish oil a day or to a placebo. The patients were followed up to 16 months throughout the study period. 

Unfortunately, they found no added benefit in those taking the fish oil.

Researchers reiterated that certain risk factors were associated with atrial fibrillation, including obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnea. Some heart conditions could also result in an elevated risk, including heart failure and heart valve problems.

"For most people without heart problems, we believe a healthy weight and healthy lifestyle, and a good control of risk factors, can probably help reduce the risk of developing this condition, although this has not been studied per se," Nigam added, via Health Day.

However, for those suffering from the condition, blood thinners or other medications may be needed from a doctor to decrease stroke risk or other health issues, as estimates show that atrial fibrillation results in close to 88,000 deaths per year in the United States alone. 

Researchers are still working on how to prevent the issue, all-together.