Effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) and micro-AF in the OMEMI trial

Abstract Background Findings from recent clinical outcome trials have raised concerns regarding potential off target adverse effects supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on atrial fibrillation (AF) risk. Purpose We aimed to assess AF and “micro-AF” in elderly patients myocardial infarction (MI), randomized PUFA or placebo. Methods In the OMEMI trial, 70–82 years old a MI were 1.8g/day of eicosapentaenoic/docosahexaenoic acid (EPA/DHA) placebo (corn oil) for two years. New-onset was recorded by detection screening, also (episodes ≥3 consecutive irregular supraventricular ectopic beats), weeks Zenicor thumb ECG (adjudicated investigators blinded treatment allocation). Serum phospholipid content EPA DHA determined gas chromatography at baseline study end. Results Of 1014 759 (75%) had no history baseline. These aged 75±4 542 (71%) male. During year follow-up 43 developed new-onset (39 clinically-detected 4 thumb-ECG screening). addition, 27 episodes micro-AF, yielding total 70 micro-AF. group 46 (11.9%) AF/micro-AF (28 18 micro-AF) while 24 (6.5%) (15 9 micro-AF); HR 1.90 (95% CI 1.16–3.11, P=0.011; Figure 1, panel A). both arms combined, increased mean 60% no-AF, 80% micro-AF 110% (P=0.003 linear trend; B). PUFA, 120% 130% 180% clinical-AF (P=0.04 trend). There significant associations between changes AF. Conclusion Supplementation 1.8 g post risk AF, there seemed be graded association increases serum Changes not related AF/micro-AF. Funding Acknowledgement Type funding sources: None.