Atrial fibrillation causes the heart to flutter abnormally, increasing your risk for blood clots and leading to 15 percent of all strokes in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Treatment may include medications or procedures that regulate your heartbeat. As part of an overall heart-healthy diet, omega-3 fatty acids may provide additional protection against stroke and related heart conditions. Talk to your doctor about adding omega-3 fatty acids to your diet.
Function
Although research regarding the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on atrial fibrillation is limited, people who eat diets rich in fish tend to exhibit fewer heartbeat abnormalities than people who do not, according to a report published in the "European Heart Journal" in January 2006. Some researchers believe that, like high blood pressure and coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation is associated with inflammatory responses in the body; omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids may also lower your risk for developing an arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation is the most prevalent arrhythmia in the United States.
Food Sources
Cold-water fish are the richest food sources of omega-3 fatty acids. They also contain less unhealthy saturated fat and cholesterol than red, fried and processed meats.Fish particularly high in omega-3 fatty acids include mackerel, herring, lake trout, salmon, albacore tuna, halibut, flounder and sardines. Maintaining a proper balance of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids, which are prevalent in meat, high-fat dairy products and vegetable oils, is important, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC; Americans typically consume 14 to 25 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3s. To reap heart-healthy benefits of fish oil, eat cold-water fish regularly; the American Heart Association recommends eating fish, particular cold-water varieties, at least twice per week.
Supplements
Fish oil supplements provide a useful option if you don't enjoy or routinely eat fish. According to the UMMC, dosage for fish oil supplements is based on the amount of eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA; these are the two fatty acids in cold-water fish. Typical capsules contain 180 mg, or 0.18 g, of EPA and 120 mg, or 0.12 g, of DHA. Standard dosage for adults with heart disease is 1 g of EPA and DHA daily. If you have high cholesterol, 2 to 4 g of EPA and DHA per day is appropriate. Talk to your doctor about a disage that is right for you. Refrigerate your supplements for extended freshness and have patience; it may take up to three weeks for the benefits to appear.
Precautions
While fish oil in fish is considered generally safe, fish oil supplements may increase the risk of bleeding. The UMMC suggests using the supplements cautiously if you have a bleeding disorder, bruise easily or take blood-thinning medications. The supplements may also cause bloating, belching, gas or diarrhea. If you have schizophrenia or diabetes, your body may not use fish oil from supplements properly; get fish in food form instead. Because some fish and supplements contain harmful contaminants, purchase your supplements from a reputable source. Always talk to your doctor before taking any supplement.
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