LAUSR

For decades, there has been interest in the role of omega-3 fatty acids (O3FAs) for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Associations between fatty fish or O3FA consumption and lower incidences of CVD and mortality were identified first in large observational cohort studies;1 however, results from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been less consistent.2–8 The most substantial reduction in CVD events was demonstrated in REDUCE-IT (Reduction of Cardiovascular Events with Icosapent Ethyl-Intervention Trial), which showed a 25% reduction in CVD events with icosapent ethyl (purified O3FA supplement) versus placebo.6 REDUCE-IT prompted an update to the European Society of Cardiology guidelines for dyslipidemia to recommend icosapent ethyl for patients with CVD and high triglycerides.9 REDUCE-IT also showed an ≈50% increase in atrial fibrillation (AF) hospitalizations in the icosapent ethyl arm.6 The STRENGTH study (Long-Term Outcomes Study to Assess Statin Residual Risk with Epanova in High Cardiovascular Risk Patients with Hypertriglyceridema) was stopped early partly because of increased AF risk.4