Does fish oil prevent cardiac arrhythmias?

✍ Scribed by John Stanley

• Book ID: 102463885
• Publisher: Wiley (John Wiley & Sons)
• Year: 2012
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 111 KB
• Volume: 24
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0956-666X
• DOI: 10.1002/lite.201200166

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

It is widely accepted that the very long chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC n‐3 PUFA) characteristic of marine oils protect against the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This idea is supported by a large body of consistent epidemiological studies showing favourable associations between intakes of VLC n‐3 PUFA and CVD risk and more importantly by several large and lengthy dietary intervention trials showing favourable effects of VLC n‐3 PUFA on the development of CVD. The effects of VLC n‐3 PUFA on sudden death and on survival from a heart attack demonstrated in these trials could be explained if they have anti‐arrhythmic effects. Recent meta‐analyses of the available dietary intervention trials suggest that neither ventricular nor atrial arrhythmias are influenced by VLC n‐3 PUFA intakes. Hence a convincing mechanism of action of VLC n‐3 PUFA on CVD has yet to emerge.