Evaluating the Effectiveness of Fish Oil Supplements at Reducing the Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

The purpose of my project, Evaluating the Effectiveness of Fish Oil Supplements at Reducing the Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation, was to analyze whether omega-3 fatty acids could lower the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence compared to a placebo. AF is an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm that can lead to serious complications such as stroke or heart failure. Through review and analysis of clinical trial data, patients who took fish oil experienced a lower recurrence rate of AF (46.8%) compared to the placebo group (73.4%), though the difference was not statistically significant. I also examined two supplemental studies that supported the safety and potential benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in postoperative patients. Key takeaways from this project include understanding how nutritional supplements can influence cardiovascular outcomes and the importance of proper study design, dosage variation, and statistical reporting in clinical research.https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2025fall/1001/thumbnail.jp