Fish Oils for Heart Health

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel, as well as in supplement form, appear to play an important role in preventing sudden deaths from heart attacks.

1. A study published in Circulation (April 8, 2002) found that fish oil supplements may reduce the risk of sudden death among heart attack survivors, likely by reducing arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat).
   
2. The Physicians Health study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine (Vol 346 n15) showed a strong association between fish oils and reduced risk of sudden death among men without evidence of prior cardiovascular disease.
   
3. The multi-year Nurses Health study shows a lower risk of coronary heart disease deaths has been associated with higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids in women. Their risk of fatal heart attacks was halved over a 16-year period (Journal of the American Medical Association, Vol 287 n14).

It takes about two meals of fatty fish per week or 800 to 1,000 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acid supplements to show similar effectiveness as these studies.

Source: Vitamin and Supplements News, April 19, 2002