FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ann-Marie White
Heart Rhythm Society
(202) 464-3476
awhite@hrsonline.org

Lucy McDonald: (202) 306-3456
Heart Rhythm 2008 Press Room: (415) 978-3520 (number effective May 14-17, 2008)

SAN FRANCISCO, May 15, 2008 — According to new research, there is no evidence of an association between the intake of omega-3 fatty acids or dietary supplements of Vitamin E and the prevalence or incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in women. Results from two new studies, one on omega-3 fatty acid intake from fish oil, and one on Vitamin E supplements, were released today at Heart Rhythm 2008, the Heart Rhythm Society’s 29th Annual Scientific Sessions.

Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common forms of arrhythmias affecting more than two million people in the United States alone. Focusing on women’s health initiatives, this new research explores the links between common dietary ingredients, including fish oils and vitamins, and whether or not the intake of these ingredients can reduce or increase the development of atrial fibrillation (AF).

“Atrial fibrillation affects millions of people, and it is very important for researchers to continue to look for dietary measures or life style behavior to help patients reduce the prevalence and incidence of arrhythmias,” said Bruce D. Lindsay, MD, FHRS, President of Heart Rhythm Society and Director of Electrophysiology at the Cleveland Clinic Heart and Vascular Institute. “It is important for both patients and doctors to have a clear understanding of the impact, or lack-of impact, common dietary ingredients, like omega-3 and Vitamin E, can have on a patient’s health.”

Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Fish Oil
Prior studies have shown conflicting results regarding the association between omega-3 fatty acid intake and the incident of atrial fibrillation. A new study led by Dr. Jarett Berry, MD, and Dr. Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, MD, both at Northwestern University in Chicago, observes the impact of omega-3 fatty acids through dietary fish oil intake. The study included 46,704 participants from the Women’s Health Initiative clinical trials, excluding women in the dietary modification intervention arm and women with AF baseline by ECG or self report. The results show that in both age-adjusted and multivariable adjusted models, there was no association between dietary omega-3 fatty acid intake from fish oil and incidence of AF.

Vitamin E Supplementation
A study led by Dr. Bruce Koplan, MD, and Dr. Christine Albert, MD, both at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, examined the potential risks and benefits of Vitamin E supplementation on the development of AF among 38,933 apparently healthy women over the age of 45 enrolled in the Women’s Health Study. Women in this large, randomized trial were given either Vitamin E or placebo in order to determine whether or not Vitamin E had a distinct effect on the development of cardiovascular disease. Follow-up conducted with the women after 10+ years, showed that Vitamin E supplementation does not reduce or increase the overall development of AF in apparently healthy women.

About Heart Rhythm2008
Heart Rhythm 2008 takes place May 14-17 at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco. The meeting is the most comprehensive educational event on heart rhythm disorders, offering 250 educational opportunities in multiple formats. The world’s most renowned scientists and physicians will present a wide range of heart rhythm topics including advances in statins, cardiac resynchronization therapy, catheter ablation, cardiac pacing and heart failure and the latest technology, including state-of-the-art pacemakers and defibrillators.