This Popular Supplement May Increase Your Risk Of Heart Problems, New Study Finds

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It seems there is an extra charge for everything these days. You can take one pill to improve your cognitive function, take another to lower your blood pressure, and swallow an additional pill to help you sleep. However, there is one supplement that you may be taking every day that could have serious side effects. In fact, it could even put your heart health at risk.

A new meta-analysis published in the journal American Heart Association Circulation reveals that taking marine omega-3 fatty acids – AKA fish oil – could increase your risk of atrial fibrillation, irregular and / or rapid heartbeat.

RELATED: Side Effects of Taking Fish Oil Every Day, According to Experts

To conduct their research, health professionals from Geneva University Hospitals and Brigham and Women’s Hospital reviewed seven studies conducted on a total of 81,210 study subjects. What the researchers found was that supplementation with marine omega-3s was associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, especially in those who took more than one gram of supplements per day.

woman taking fish oil — Shutterstock / blackzheep

What are the risks of atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation often causes weakness, dizziness, chest pain, fatigue, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and an inability to exercise for long periods of time, reports the Mayo Clinic.

While these problems are certainly cause enough to seek treatment, the long-term risks of untreated atrial fibrillation are much worse. According to the American Heart Association, untreated atrial fibrillation makes you twice as likely to have a heart-related death and five times as likely to have a stroke.

How can I reverse the effects of atrial fibrillation?

Fortunately, if you are treated quickly, you may be able to solve more serious health problems related to atrial fibrillation in the cervix. In addition to talking to your doctor about changing or eliminating your dose of seafood omega-3 supplements, surgery, therapy, and medication can all help treat atrial fibrillation.

For more ways to keep your heart healthy, check out The Best Foods That Can Help Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease, and for the latest healthy eating tips and tricks delivered to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter!