Changes of weight, BMI and waist circumference following fish oil supplementation in patients with persistant and permanent atrial fibrillation

Some studies have reported positive effects of fish oil supplementation on atrial fibrillation (AF) which its mechanism is unknown. Fish oil supplementation could also improve endothelial function. An association between AF and endothelial dysfunction was shown in previous studies. In this study we investigated whether fish oil supplementation alters weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference in patients with chronic AF. Eighty chronic AF subjects with BMI > 25kg/m2, and age between 50-85 years, were randomized to receive 2g/day fish oil or placebo for 8 weeks. Anthropometric indices, including height, weight and waist circumference were measured and BMI was calculated before and after the intervention. The intake of energy, macronutrients and n-3 PUFAs did not change significantly in intervention period. Weight (72.58±13.26 vs. 73.74±12.13, P=0.02), BMI (28.61±4.81 vs. 29.15±4.27, P=0.02) and waist circumference (99.85±16.23 vs. 100.21±8.78, p < 0.001) were significantly decreased in fish oil group. Our findings demonstrated fish oil supplementation could improve endothelial function through decreasing weight, BMI and waist circumference in patients with chronic AF that leads to lower risk of stroke in these patients.