Some studies have suggested that fish oil supplements can help prevent patients from developing recurrent AF. But a new study that was released in December of 2012 found that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil actually did nothing in protecting AF patients. However, even with this knowledge, some doctors still believe that the omega-3s are fine to take since it doesn’t harm patients either.

“In all these studies, fish oil was safe and well-tolerated, with no evidence for increased bleeding. The results for atrial fibrillation are important negative findings, answering key clinical and research questions,” said Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, an omega-3 expert at the Harvard School of Public Health, who was not involved in the new study.

This information, when combined with previous studies and the new research that was published online December 19 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, shows that fish oil doesn’t prevent recurrent AF in the short term. Previous studies seemed to show that the fatty acids found in fish could be helpful in preventing recurrent AF, but no one seems to understand just how that effect was produced. Confirmation studies seemed to contradict that information altogether. Obviously more studies will have to be conducted before scientists can conform or refute the claims of fatty acid benefits on AF.

Dr. Alejandro Macchia, a cardiologist at the GESICA Foundation in Buenos Aires, still thinks that fish oil can help heart health regardless of the information from this new study.

“I am not sure the story is over,” Macchia told Reuters Health. “I think we have enough evidence to say that there is no role of (omega-3 fatty acids) for the prevention of atrial fibrillation” in patients with a history of the condition, he said. “However in the context of primary prevention — those people who had never had a previous episode of atrial fibrillation — there is a reasonable room for a well-designed and very large clinical trial.”

Atrial fibrillation is a condition that is caused by patients suffering from irregular heartbeats and flutters. The condition is often treated with anticoagulant drugs including Multaq. Multaq has been linked to serious conditions including liver failure and a worsening of the heart condition. Most recently, the drug has been linked to lung disease and pulmonary toxicity, as well.

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with liver failure, lung disease, pulmonary toxicity or a worsening of your heart condition after taking Multaq, contact attorney Greg Jones for a free consultation today. I am experienced at fighting Multaq lawsuits and may be able to get you money for your injuries.