Arrhythmias & electrophysiologyCohort study
The role of circulating polyunsaturated fatty acids in atrial fibrillation and atrial cardiomyopathy a machine learning-informed structural modelling approach
- Cohort study
- machine learning-informed
- generalised structural equation modelling
Authors' conclusion
Circulating PUFAs were lower in AF, AtCM and HFpEF. Lipid profiles indicated favourable associations for circulating ω-3 and ω-6, with a modest adverse signal for DHA. After adjustment for established risk factors, PUFA supplementation was associated with lower AF prevalence, including in patients with CLM and those with HFpEF.
Study context
- Population
- UK Biobank participants with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics8,503 prevalent atrial fibrillation (AF)
- Participants
- 483,372 participants
- Exposure
- Circulating PUFA profiles and PUFA supplementation vs AF prevalence and incidence
- Outcome
- AF prevalence and incidence
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Higher ω-6 concentrations · AF incidence
- β −0.083 (95% CI −0.097 to −0.069); P < 0.001
- Higher ω-3 · AF incidence
- β −0.093 (95% CI −0.122 to −0.065); P < 0.001
- Higher DHA · AF incidence; not evident in women
- β 0.058 (95% CI 0.031–0.085); P < 0.001
- PUFA supplementation · AF prevalence; strongest among cholesterol-lowering medication (CLM) users and women
- β −0.096 (95% CI −0.145 to −0.047); P < 0.001
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Plasma PUFA concentrations in AF, Atrial Cardiomyopathy (AtCM) and Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF)
- Lower plasma PUFA in AF, AtCM and HFpEF, most pronounced with CLM use, partially attenuated with PUFA supplementation
HFpEF (subgroup)
- Subgroup findings in HFpEF directionally similar
Original publication
The role of circulating polyunsaturated fatty acids in atrial fibrillation and atrial cardiomyopathy a machine learning-informed structural modelling approach. Eur J Heart Fail. Published 28 July 2026. doi:10.1093/ejhf/xuag238
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it