Eicosapentaenoic Acid as a Cardiovascular Benefit and a Risk of Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

Abstract: In recent years, scientific research has increasingly focused on the cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) supplements. The most promising results emerged from the new trials on high-dose eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which is the only approach instead of the previously prescribed therapy with EPA + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The evidence of the reduction of cardiovascular events in patients at high cardiovascular risk with EPA is intriguing. However, physicians have expressed concern about the potential high risk of atrial fibrillation [AF] occurrence due to such an approach. This study aims to investigate the current evidence on the cardiovascular benefits of EPA and its association with atrial arrhythmogenesis. Current guidelines consider EPA (as IPE) treatment for selected patients but with no specific indication regarding AF risk evaluation. We propose a flowchart that could be a starting point for the future development of an algorithm to help clinicians prescribe EPA safely and effectively, especially in patients at high risk of incipient AF.