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Published on: February 26, 2013
Association Between Plasma Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acid Levels and Atrial Fibrillation: A Large-Scale, Real-World
Naotake Yanagisawa1, Kazutoshi Fujibayashi1, Tetsuro Miyazaki2,3
1Medical Technology Innovation Center, Juntendo University.
Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis
|May 20, 2026
Summary
Higher levels of omega-3 (EPA, DHA) and omega-6 (AA, DGLA) polyunsaturated fatty acids are linked to a lower risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). This association holds within physiological ranges, but extremely high EPA may increase AF risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Nutritional Science
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The link between polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and atrial fibrillation (AF) requires further clarification.
- Specific omega-3 (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) and omega-6 (arachidonic acid [AA], dihomo-γ-linolenic acid [DGLA]) plasma levels and AF prevalence are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma PUFA levels and AF prevalence.
- To examine the relationship between specific omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and AF risk.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 9,178 patients with plasma EPA, DHA, AA, and DGLA measurements.
- Exclusion of patients on icosapent ethyl (IPE) or under 40 years old.
- Multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic spline analyses to assess PUFA associations with AF.
Main Results:
- Higher plasma levels of EPA, DHA, EPA+DHA, AA, and DGLA were significantly associated with a reduced risk of AF (P<0.001).
- PUFA ratios did not show significant associations with AF.
- Linear inverse associations were observed for EPA, DHA, EPA+DHA, and AA with AF, while DGLA showed a nonlinear association.
Conclusions:
- Elevated plasma levels of EPA, DHA, AA, and DGLA within physiological ranges are independently linked to a lower AF risk.
- Extremely high EPA concentrations, potentially from pharmacological sources, may be associated with an increased AF risk.
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