Alternative Health Blog

In a systematic review of randomized trials evaluating the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on sudden cardiac death, cardiac death, and all-cause morality in coronary heart disease patients,"…supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids was found to reduce the incidence of sudden cardiac death in patients with myocardial infarction…" yet the reviewers also found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, "may have adverse effects in angina patients." The authors included results from 8 trials involving 20,997 patients. Results found that in patients with prior myocardial infarction, omega-3 fatty acids reduced the relative risk of sudden cardiac death (RR=0.43), yet in patients with angina, omega-3 fatty acids were associated with an increased risk (RR=1.39). These results suggest that in coronary heart disease patients with a history of myocardial infarction, dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may help to protect against sudden cardiac death.
 
Reference:
"Prevention of sudden cardiac death with omega-3 fatty acids in patients with coronary heart disease: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials," Zhao YT, Chen Q, et al, Ann Med, 2009 Jan 15; 1-10