Omega-3 Fatty Acid Biomarkers and Incident Atrial Fibrillation

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #atrial-fibrillation #biomarkers #docosahexaenoic-acids #eicosapentaenoic-acid

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Biomarkers and Incident Atrial Fibrillation

Qian et al., 2023 | J Am Coll Cardiol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Qian Frank, Tintle Nathan, ... Siscovick David S. Omega-3 Fatty Acid Biomarkers and Incident Atrial Fibrillation. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2023-Jul-25;82(4):336-349. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2023.05.024

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and atrial fibrillation (AF) remains controversial. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prospective associations of blood or adipose tissue levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with incident AF. METHODS: We used participant-level data from a global consortium of 17 prospective cohort studies, each with baseline data on blood or adipose tissue omega-3 fatty acid levels and AF outcomes. Each participating study conducted a de novo analyses using a prespecified analytical plan with harmonized definitions for exposures, outcome, covariates, and subgroups. Associations were pooled using inverse-variance weighted meta-analysis. RESULTS: Among 54,799 participants from 17 cohorts, 7,720 incident cases of AF were ascertained after a median 13.3 years of follow-up. In multivariable analysis, EPA levels were not associated with incident AF, HR per interquintile range (ie, the difference between the 90th and 10th percentiles) was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.95-1.05). HRs for higher levels of DPA, DHA, and EPA+DHA, were 0.89 (95% CI: 0.83-0.95), 0.90 (95% CI: 0.85-0.96), and 0.93 (95% CI: 0.87-0.99), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In vivo levels of omega-3 fatty acids including EPA, DPA, DHA, and EPA+DHA were not associated with increased risk of incident AF. Our data suggest the safety of habitual dietary intakes of omega-3 fatty acids with respect to AF risk. Coupled with the known benefits of these fatty acids in the prevention of adverse coronary events, our study suggests that current dietary guidelines recommending fish/omega-3 fatty acid consumption can be maintained.

Key Findings

Among 54,799 participants from 17 cohorts, 7,720 incident cases of AF were ascertained after a median 13.3 years of follow-up. In multivariable analysis, EPA levels were not associated with incident AF, HR per interquintile range (ie, the difference between the 90th and 10th percentiles) was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.95-1.05). HRs for higher levels of DPA, DHA, and EPA+DHA, were 0.89 (95% CI: 0.83-0.95), 0.90 (95% CI: 0.85-0.96), and 0.93 (95% CI: 0.87-0.99), respectively.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 54799
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Atrial Fibrillation
  • Biomarkers
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: omega-3

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09