Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in atrial fibrillation prevention after coronary bypass surgery

Aim. To assess omega-3-polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3-PUFA) effects on atrial arrhythmogenicity in patients with coronary heart disease, who underwent coronary bypass surgery (CBS). Material and methods. In total, 50 patients, who underwent CBS, were examined. All participants were divided into two groups. Group I included 25 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) episodes in anamnesis, who were administered omega-3-PUFA (2 g/d) one week before and 7 days after CBS. Group II, control group, included 25 patients without AF in anamnesis, who did not receive omega-3-PUFA. Atrial conduction abnormalities were registered by non-invasive, high-definition transesophageal electrocardiography. Results. In Group II, 7 AF cases (28%) were registered during early post-CBS period. AF paroxysm incidence was maximal in the first two days after CBS. In Group I, AF paroxysms were registered in 4 patients (16%), on Day 23 after CBS. Clinical symptoms were less severe in Group I than in Group II: in the former, two patients had asymptomatic AF episodes. No AF cases required cardioversion, terminating spontaneously. Group I patients demonstrated increased right and left atrium conductivity. Conclusion. In patients with post-CBS AF risk, omega-3-PUFA therapy was associated with arrhythmia risk reduction, spontaneously terminating AF episodes, and less severe hemodynamic disturbances. Adding omega-3-PUFA to standard therapy is effective and safe in CBS patients.