Backgroud Previous randomized studies have reported conflicting results on the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids in preventing atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrences after cardioversion.
Objective A systematic review and meta-analysis of the role of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of atrial fibrillation recurrences after cardioversion was conducted.
Methods PubMed, Cochrane Library, Elsevier, Science Online database were searched up to the end of January 2012 to identify all of the studies in human subjects that reported the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the prevention of atrial fibrillation recurrences after cardioversion.
Results Overall, omega-3 fatty acids had no significant effect on the prevention of AF recurrences after cardioversion (OR: 0.63,95% CI 0.35-1.13; p=0.12). The heterogeneity among the studies was significant (p=0.01, I²=66%). Subgroup analysis showed that by administering omega-3 fatty acids at least 4 weeks prior to cardioversion and continuing thereafter, the recurrence rate of AF is significantly low (OR: 0.39, 95% CI 0.25-0.61; p<0.0001).
Conclusion In the subgroup administered omega-3 fatty acids at least 4 weeks prior to cardioversion and continued thereafter, the recurrence rate of AF was significantly low. More double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter studies with high quality and longer follow-up periods are needed to affirm our conclusion.