Antioxidant Vitamins in the Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation: What Is the Evidence?
2011

Antioxidant Vitamins and Atrial Fibrillation Prevention

Sample size: 100 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Sonia Rasoli, Nicholaos Kakouros, Leanne Harling, Philemon Gukop, Manish Soni, Thanos Athanasiou, Antonios Kourliouros

Primary Institution: St George's Hospital, London

Hypothesis

Can antioxidant vitamins C and E help prevent atrial fibrillation?

Conclusion

The evidence suggests that antioxidant vitamins may reduce the incidence of atrial fibrillation, but more extensive studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness.

Supporting Evidence

  • Patients receiving vitamin C had a significantly lower incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation compared to controls.
  • Vitamin C treatment reduced the early recurrence rate of atrial fibrillation after cardioversion.
  • Antioxidant vitamins may help reduce oxidative stress associated with atrial fibrillation.

Takeaway

This study looks at whether vitamins C and E can help stop a heart problem called atrial fibrillation, which is when the heart beats irregularly. It found that these vitamins might help, but we need more research to be sure.

Methodology

The authors conducted a literature review and analyzed various studies on the effects of antioxidant vitamins on atrial fibrillation.

Potential Biases

Some studies had unbalanced risk factors between treatment and control groups.

Limitations

The available studies are limited in size and scope, and many have not adequately matched risk factors between groups.

Participant Demographics

Patients undergoing CABG surgery, aged over 50.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.002

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.4061/2011/164078

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication