CHICAGO – Omega-3 polyunsaturated acid supplementation does not prevent recurrence of atrial fibrillation, according to a multisite, prospective, randomized trial presented by Dr. Peter R. Kowey of Lankenau Hospital at the annual scientific sessions of the American Heart Association.
Although previous small trials had hinted at a benefit, patients with persistent or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who took high-dose, prescription omega-3 fatty acids (Lovaza, GlaxoSmithKline) for 24 weeks had a similar time to atrial fibrillation recurrence as did those who took placebo.
But that doesn’t negate the other, well established cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. In this video report, Dr. Kowey and Dr. Robert O. Bonow, the Goldberg Distinguished Professor at Northwestern University, discuss the implications.