Evidence supporting the use of: Omega-3 fatty acids
For the health condition: Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been investigated for their potential role in the prevention and management of cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (AF) and palpitations. Early observational studies and some animal research suggested that omega-3 fatty acids could stabilize cardiac cell membranes and exert anti-arrhythmic effects. This provided a scientific rationale for their use in heart rhythm disorders. However, more recent and larger randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have produced mixed results. Some studies found a modest reduction in the risk of AF recurrence after cardioversion, while others—such as the 2021 OMEMI and STRENGTH trials—did not demonstrate significant benefit and in some cases suggested a possible increased risk of atrial fibrillation with high-dose omega-3 supplementation.

Current major guidelines, such as those from the American Heart Association, do not recommend omega-3 fatty acids specifically for the prevention or treatment of atrial fibrillation due to insufficient and inconsistent evidence. While omega-3s are well-validated for lowering triglycerides and supporting general cardiovascular health, their direct impact on heart rhythm disorders remains uncertain. Overall, the evidence supporting their use for heart fibrillation or palpitations is limited (rated 2/5), and supplementation should be considered cautiously in this context.

More about omega-3 fatty acids
More about Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations

Other health conditions supported by omega-3 fatty acids

Acne
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Addictions (drugs)
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Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Allergies (food)
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Alzheimer's Disease
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Attention Deficit Disorder
Autism
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Backache
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Birth Defects (prevention)
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bloodshot Eyes
Body Building
Broken Bones
Bulimia
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cholesterol (high)
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Concentration (poor)
Concussions
Confusion
Congestive Heart Failure
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Dysmenorrhea
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Endometriosis
Epilepsy
Exercise
Eye Problems
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Eyesight (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fibrosis
Free Radical Damage
Glaucoma
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hashimoto's Disease
Hearing Loss
Heart (weakness)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Irritability
Lou Gehrig's Disease
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Menopause
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PMS Type D
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Polyps
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Triglycerides (high)
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