Should Physicians Continue to Recommend Fish Oil for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation?

Many physicians recommend the use of fish oil or omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. N-3 PUFA have demonstrated anti-fibrillatory properties in several animal studies, however, data regarding their efficacy in preventing AF in humans have been mixed. This article critically reviews studies that have investigated the use of n-3 PUFA for the secondary prevention of paroxysmal and persistent AF and the primary prevention of post-operative AF. We conclude that n-3 PUFA should no longer be recommended for use in any of these AF subtypes until more data are available.