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- Title
Pro- and antiarrhythmic properties of a diet rich in fish oil
- Authors
Den Ruijter, Hester M.; Berecki, Géza; Opthof, Tobias; Verkerk, Arie O.; Zock, Peter L.; Coronel, Ruben
- Abstract
Abstract: Increased consumption of fish rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3-PUFAs) is associated with decreased incidence of sudden cardiac death in post-myocardial infarction patients, but is also related to increased incidence of sudden death and arrhythmias in patients with acute myocardial ischemia. This review discusses the possible pro- and antiarrhythmic mechanisms of ω3-PUFAs in relation to various cardiac pathologies. Differences between circulating and incorporated ω3-PUFAs with respect to electrophysiology are emphasized. We conclude that ω3-PUFAs alter cardiac electrophysiology and thereby may be pro- or antiarrhythmic, dependent on the mechanism of arrhythmia. As ω3-PUFAs may be antiarrhythmic under conditions that favour triggered activity, they may facilitate re-entrant arrhythmias. This may explain the contradictory outcomes of increased intake of fish oil on sudden death and arrhythmias in clinical trials. Advice to increase intake of ω3-PUFA supplements or fatty fish should be tailored to individual patients with respect to the arrhythmogenic mechanisms associated with the underlying pathology.
- Subjects
ARRHYTHMIA; CAUSES of death; ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY; HEART diseases
- Publication
Cardiovascular Research, 2007, Vol 73, Issue 2, p316
- ISSN
0008-6363
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1016/j.cardiores.2006.06.014