On August 3, 2009 the Journal of the American College of Cardiology published a paper reviewing the evidence of the benefits of fish oil or Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).
The findings support the use of fish oil for everyone- not just heart patients! The evidence supports that fish oil prevents as well as treats cardiovascular disease. Fish oil has been found to prevent heart failure as well as decrease hospitalization and death in both heart failure and post-MI patients. It has shown to reduce arrhythmias as primary and secondary prevention- particularly in atrial fibrillation (AF). Fish oil also helps to prevent atherosclerosis and there is data to suggest it helps in hyperlipidemia.
The optimal dose of fish oil- as measured by EPA/DHA is at least 500 mg per day for prevention and 800-1000mg per day for those with known heart disease. This can be accomplished with supplements or eating fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, or sardines. Healthy persons would need 2 servings per week while heart patients would require 4 or 5 fish servings per week.
Further study is needed to determine optimal mix of EPA to DHA and mechanisms of action in arrhythmias, atherosclerosis and primary myocardial disease. The abstract of the paper is free at http://content.onlinejacc.org/cgi/content/abstract/54/7/585 and a synopsis of the article is available at the heart.org then go to heartwire( you must sign in for a free membership) to access the article dated 8/10/09.
4 comments:
I knew there was a really good reason why I love salmon!! I will definately add this to our regimen.
I recommend Omega 3 fish oil caps three times daily to everyone that I see as a patient. I often get feedback on arthritic benefits and those with constipation relief. Makes sense..
I have read your Blog with Great Interest That. Fish oil has been found to prevent heart failure as well as decrease hospitalization and death in both heart failure and post-MI patients.
It is a reducing of arrhythmias primary and secondary prevention. Healthy people need two weeks, so that the patient's heart should be four fish per week.
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