Do you take fish oil supplements to protect against heart disease? If so, there is a health risk linked to these supplements you may want to be aware of.
Fish oil supplements, high in omega-3 fatty acids, are touted to help lower blood pressure and reduce triglycerides. Triglycerides are a type of fat associated with increased risk of heart disease. Around 19 millions Americans take over-the-counter fish oil supplements according to the National Institutes of Health.
Then what’s the bad news about? Everything has its pros and cons. You just need to have all the information to make an informed decision regarding your health.
A recent study at Virginia Commonwealth University in the US showed that omega-3 supplements are associated with an increased chance of developing atrial fibrillation in people with high blood lipids. Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorder.
The study analyzed over 50,000 patients. These patients received either a dose of fish oils or placebo every day. They were followed up for between 2 and 7.4 years.
At the end of the study, the researchers found there was a significant increased risk of atrial fibrillation in patients who took the fish oil supplements, compared to those patients who received the placebo (did not get the fish oil doses).
The study results were published in the April 2021 edition of the journal Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy.
This doesn’t mean you should stop taking your fish oil supplements. Other studies have shown omega-3 fatty acids have benefits for your cardiovascular system. However, if you or someone you know are susceptible to developing heart rhythm disorder, you should be aware of the risks in taking these fish oil supplements.