Beneficial influence of omega-3 fatty acids on arrhythmia

P. Singer, Bensheim, M. Wirth, Berlin

The antiarrhythmic action of polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid has been described in many experiments. From epidemiological studies using fish oil concentrates it was speculated that the reduction of coronary mortality by 30 per cent is based on their antiarrhythmic effect. So far, however, only a few clinical data are available. Therefore, we designed a clinical trial in order to test the efficacy of a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

In 18 male patients with combined hyperlipidemia a fish diet consisting of 3 cans/week of mackerel fillet in tomato pulp over 4 months resulted not only in a decrease of total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, thromboxane B2 and blood pressure, but also in a significant reduction of supraventricular and ventricular extrasystoles and, correspondingly, in a diminution of higher Lown-classes.

The data indicate a hitherto widely ignored antiarrhythmic action of omega-3 fatty acids which might explain the reduced rate of cardiac deaths after myocardial infarction. Because of the various beneficial effects of w -3 fatty acids on cardiovascular risk factors they may be recommended in strategies for secondary prevention. This is consistent with recent guidelines for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by dietary and other lifestyle practices. EU05/02

Keywords: omega-3 fatty acids / arrhythmia

Sie finden den Artikel in deutscher Sprache in Ernährungs-Umschau 05/02 ab Seite 178.