Patients with previous paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) who follow a Mediterranean diet enriched with extra-virgin olive oil after a catheter ablation procedure saw improved clinical outcomes when compared to those who freely selected their diet, research presented at the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) annual meeting (16–19 May, Boston, USA) suggests.
The PREDIMAR study, which was led by researchers at the University of Navarra, University Hospital HM Monteprincipe, Virgen de las Nieves Hospital and General Hospital of Alicante in Spain sought to determine whether such a diet could be integrated into treatment plans for paroxysmal AF patients undergoing catheter ablation to reduce their risk of tachyarrhythmia recurrence.
Global estimates of AF prevalence vary widely, ranging from approximately 1% to 2% in the USA, compared to Spain, which has an older population, and an AF prevalence of up to 4.4%.
Catheter ablation is a common AF treatment option and strategies for improving results for the therapy have focused on technology and pharmacology but have not extensively looked at lifestyle and diet.
In the PREDIMAR trial, researchers randomised 720 AF patients treated with ablation in a 1:1 ratio, with one group receiving advice to follow a Mediterranean diet enriched with extra-virgin olive oil or their freely selected diet. The trial followed all patients for 18 months with medical visits every three to six months. Additionally, they received an electrocardiogram recording device to use once a week and if they had any symptoms.
After 18 months, the results showed a 10% relative reduction in the risk of tachyarrhythmia recurrence in patients following the Mediterranean diet enriched with extra-virgin olive oil compared to patients who freely selected their diet. This reduction was even higher in patients with paroxysmal AF at baseline. These patients experienced a 31% relative reduction in the risk of recurrence with the Mediterranean diet intervention compared to the freely selected diet.
“Patients frequently ask me about what diet and lifestyle changes are most impactful after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation or following an ablation,” said Maria Teresa Barrio Lopez (University Hospital HM Monteprincipe, Madrid, Spain). “Seeing the results of the PREDIMAR trial, I feel confident in recommending the Mediterranean diet enriched with extra-virgin olive oil to patients to help reduce the risk of recurrences.”
