Omega-3 supplementation may increase risk of AF in post-MI patients

Omega-3 fatty acids popularly known as "healthy fats" that is popularly known to benefit heart health. One key benefit of omeg-3 supplementation is known to lower triglycerides levels. Specific types of omega-3s include DHA and EPA (found in seafood) and ALA (found in plants).

However recent randomized clinical trials have raised concerns regarding potential off target adverse effects from supplementation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on atrial fibrillation (AF) risk.

The OMEMI Trial by Peder L. Myhre and team suggests that supplementation of n-3 PUFA post MI increases the risk of ‘micro-AF’ and AF, and increases in EPA seems to be an important mediator of the treatment effect from n-3 PUFA on the risk of AF. The trial is published in journal Clinical Nutrition.

Researchers aimed to assess risk and potential mediators of AF and ‘micro-AF’ from n-3 PUFA in post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients. The OMEMI trial, included 70–82 y. o. patients with a recent MI were randomized to 1.8 g/day of eicosapentaenoic-/docosahexaenoic acid (EPA/DHA) or placebo (corn oil) for two years. New-onset AF and ‘micro-AF’ was recorded by clinical detection and by screening with Zenicor thumb-ECG (adjudicated by blinded investigators). Serum EPA and DHA were measured at baseline and study end.