JAHA: Tell us about the key findings
from your recent article in JAHA.
Dr. Fretts: Our analysis examined the association of
plasma phospholipid and dietary ALA with the development of atrial fibrillation
among older adults who participated in the Cardiovascular Health Study. Our
results indicate no association of either plasma phospholipid or dietary ALA on
risk of atrial fibrillation.
JAHA: What are
the major implications of this work?
Dr. Fretts: The burden of
atrial fibrillation is increasing as the population ages. As such, it is
important to better understand factors associated with risk of developing
atrial fibrillation. Although our results showed no association of ALA with
atrial fibrillation among older adults who consume an American diet, this is a
very important finding.
JAHA: How did
you get the idea to do this study?
Dr. Fretts: Many studies
have shown that long-chain n-3 fatty acids derived from seafood, particularly
eicosapantaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are associated with
a lower risk of AF. However, the relationship of ALA, a medium-chain n-3 fatty
acid derived from plants and found in foods like canola oil and walnuts, is unclear.
As plant-derived fatty acids are cheaper and have a greater worldwide
availability than seafood, a better understanding of the relationship of ALA
with atrial fibrillation is of public health importance.
JAHA: What was your biggest obstacle in completing
this study?
Dr. Fretts: I have worked with many complex data sets in
the past. However, the Cardiovascular Health Study is unique in that there were
two recruitment periods (1989-1990 and 1992-1993) and many measures were
collected annually. As this was my first analysis using data from the
Cardiovascular Health Study, it took me quite a long time to become familiar
with the data.
JAHA: What was
your most unexpected finding?
Dr. Fretts: In the
Cardiovascular Health Study, fatty acids derived from fish (EPA and DHA) were
associated with a lower risk of AF. As such, we expected ALA (a fatty acid
derived from plants) to be associated with a lower risk of AF. Although we did
not find an association of ALA and AF in this cohort, we need to examine the
relationship in non-fish eating populations with other types of diets.
JAHA: What do
you plan to do next, based on these current findings?
Dr. Fretts: We’d like to
examine the relationship of ALA with other cardiovascular outcomes in the Cardiovascular
Health Study. Additionally, exploring the relationship of ALA and atrial
fibrillation in populations with other types of diets is of interest.
JAHA: What do you like to do in your free time?
Dr. Fretts: I live in the
Pacific Northwest, so when it’s not raining, I like to take advantage of living
close to the mountains and spend time hiking, camping, or snowshoeing. I also
enjoy gardening in the summer months.
Profile originally published March 12, 2013
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