Fish oil and vitamin D supplements are not effective in preventing atrial fibrillation

The latest research in the 2020 American Heart Association scientific sessions revealed that taking omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D supplements does not increase or decrease the risk of developing atrial fibrillation of the heart, and atrial fibrillation is a rapid and irregular heartbeat caused by chaotic electrical signals in the two chambers of the heart.

According to “Medical News”, atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorder, and can lead to blood clots, strokes, heart failure and other heart-related complications.

The risk of developing atrial fibrillation increases with age, high blood pressure and heavy alcohol use and can be common in many family members.

Evidence from previous observational studies has been conflicting, indicating both the potential health risks and benefits of fish oil – a source of omega-3 fatty acids – and vitamin D for atrial fibrillation.

“Once established, atrial fibrillation is difficult to treat and produces symptoms that can impair patients’ quality of life, and current treatment options have limited long-term success and great risks,” said Christine M. Albert, founding chair of the cardiology department at the Smidt Heart Institute in Cedar Sinai, USA and lead author of the study Preventive strategies are urgently needed.

An experience VITAL Rhythm It is the first placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial that investigates preventive treatments for atrial fibrillation.

This trial evaluated whether vitamin supplementation D3 (2,000 IU / day) and omega-3 fatty acids (EPA: DHA By 1.2: 1 ratio; 840 mg / day) may reduce the risk of developing atrial fibrillation compared to placebo.

The five-year study, from 2012 to 2017, included 25,119 adults, ages 50 and over, with no history of atrial fibrillation.

About half of the participants were female, 21% were black, and the average age was 67 years. The diagnosis of atrial fibrillation was determined by the participant’s self-report and claim data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Albert added: “These results do not support the use of omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin D to prevent atrial fibrillation. However, the results provide confirmation that these supplements do not increase the overall risk of developing atrial fibrillation .. It appears to be generally safe for patients taking these.” Supplements for other reasons. “

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