Omega-3s Fail to Fight Atrial Fibrillation
Loading up on omega-3 fatty acids[1] might not benefit people with atrial fibrillation, according to a new study[2] from The Journal of the American Medical Association. A type of heart rhythm disorder, atrial fibrillation is typically marked by abnormally rapid heart rate. If left untreated, atrial fibrillation can lead to heart failure or stroke[3].
For the study, researchers assigned 663 people with atrial fibrillation to six months of treatment with either omega-3 supplements or a placebo[4]. Results revealed that omega-3s failed to reduce the recurrence of atrial fibrillation.
Past research suggests that omega-3s may offer other heart-health benefits. For instance, some studies show that boosting intake of omega-3s may keep cholesterol[5] in check, lower blood pressure[6], protect against atherosclerosis[7] (hardening of the arteries), and reduce risk of heart attack and stroke.
References
- ^ omega-3 fatty acids (altmedicine.about.com)
- ^ study (jama.ama-assn.org)
- ^ stroke (altmedicine.about.com)
- ^ placebo (altmedicine.about.com)
- ^ cholesterol (altmedicine.about.com)
- ^ blood pressure (altmedicine.about.com)
- ^ atherosclerosis (altmedicine.about.com)
