Is there a role for long-chain omega3 or oil-rich fish in the treatment of atrial fibrillation?

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in Europe and north America, and recently it was described as an epidemic. Treatment and management of this arrhythmia consists of using drugs, external electrical cardioversion and in extreme cases, internal electrical pacing. Despite treatment, this arrhythmia continues to impact on morbidity and mortality. The possible benefit from dietary interventions in relation to the primary and secondary prevention of atrial fibrillation have largely been overlooked. Our hypothesis is that increasing the intake of long-chain polyunsaturated omega3 fatty acids (LCn3) from eating a diet containing moderate amounts of oil-rich fish, will benefit people with persistent atrial fibrillation. A number of possible anti-arrhythmic actions from LCn3 have been found from animal and laboratory studies, mainly on ventricular arrhythmias. These include reducing pro-arrhythmic eicosanoids and inhibiting sodium and calcium currents. If found to be beneficial to these patients, dietary advice to eat more oil-rich fish, or take LCn3 supplements, could be part of a package of care for people with this arrhythmia. We have currently started a randomised controlled trial to test our hypothesis.