Meta-Analysis Supports Omega-3 Ability to Lowers Heart Failure Risk

 A research article on Omega-3

Meta-Analysis Supports Omega-3 Ability to Lowers Heart Failure Risk

Seven prospective studies providing data on 176,441 subjects and 5,480 incident cases of heart failure, indicated that people with the highest category of EPA and DHA levels had a 14% lower risk of heart failure, compared to people with the lowest levels.

The conclusions of the meta-analysis echo comments by Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian from Harvard University. Speaking at last week’s GOED Exchange in Boston, Dr Mozaffarian told attendees: “The main benefits for omega-3s are for preventing cardiac death.” "Fish and omega-3 should be the first line of defense against heart disease death.” National and international recommendations have consistently focused on daily omega-3 consumptions of at least 250 mg of long-chain omega-3s, but median intakes of these is about 50mg/day, added Dr Mozaffarian.

Harry Rice, PhD, vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs for omega-3 trade association GOED, welcomed the new data. Commenting on the analysis, Dr Rice stated "Results from the present meta-analysis of high-quality studies corroborate results from past studies supporting a decreased risk of heart failure among individuals ingesting EPA and DHA. The 3% lower risk of heart failure associated with each 125 mg/day increase in EPA+DHA reveals what a potent effect the long-chain O-3s can have on cardiovascular health. "Of course, as the authors pointed out, the results need to be confirmed in a randomized controlled trial. There's no reason to believe, however, that the results won't hold true under increased scrutiny."

For the new meta-analysis, the Boston-based scientists identified seven prospective studies for inclusion in their analysis. After crunching the numbers, they found that for every 15 grams per day increase in fish consumption, the risk of heart failure was reduced by 5%. In addition, for every 125 mg per day increase in EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids the associated risk of heart failure was decreased by 3%.

Commenting on the potential mechanism, the researchers note that EPA and DHA and fish have been linked to lower levels of triglycerides and improved blood lipid levels, which could favorably influence the heart failure risk. In addition, EPA and DHA have been reported to improved ventricular function, heart rate, and inflammation. “If confirmed in a large double blind, placebo controlled randomized clinical trial, omega-3 could be added to the list of lifestyle factors and pharmacological agents that can be used for the primary prevention of heart failure,” concluded the researchers.

Clinical Nutrition 10.1016/j.clnu.2012.05.010
“Fish consumption, omega-3 fatty acids and risk of heart failure: A meta-analysis”
Authors: L. Djoussé, A.O. Akinkuolie, J.H.Y. Wu, E.L. Ding, J.M. Gaziano

Weekly Abstracts

Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Help to Prevent Cardiovascular Diseasen

"Long chain omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: a systematic review," Delgado-Lista J, Perez-Martinez P, et al, Br J Nutr, 2012 June; 107 Suppl 2; S201-13; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Lipids and Atherosclerosis Unit, Department of Medicine, IMIBIC/Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía/Universidad de Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain).

In this review of studies investigating the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the rate of cardiovascular events, the authors conclude that "marine omega-3 fatty acids are effective in preventing cardiovascular events, cardiac death, and coronary events, especially in persons with high cardiovascular risk." Authors included clinical trials and randomized controlled trials of omega-3 fatty acids in capsules or through dietary intake for 6 months or longer, written in English. A 10% overall decrease in risk of cardiovascular events (of any kind) was found, a 9% decrease in risk of cardiac deaths, an 18% decrease in risk of coronary events (fatal and non-fatal), and a 5% reduction of risk was found for lower total mortality. Most the studies included patients with high cardiovascular risk. The authors conclude that omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial in the prevention of cardiovascular events, particularly in those with high cardiovascular risk.

Higher Coenzyme Q10 Levels Linked to Reduced Risk of Coronary Artery Disease

"The Relationship between Coenzyme Q10, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidant Enzymes Activities and Coronary Artery Disease," Lee BJ, Lin YC, et al, Scientific World Journal, 2012; 792756; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: School of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110, Section 1, Jianguo N. Road, Taichung 40201, Taiwan).

In a study involving 51 patients having at least 50% stenosis of one major coronary artery (assessed via cardiac catheterization) and 102 healthy controls, significantly lower plasma coenzyme Q10 levels were found in subjects with CAD, as compared to controls. Furthermore, lower levels of the antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and higher levels of plasma malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were found in patients with CAD as compared to controls. Plasma coenzyme Q10 was positively associated with CAT and GPx activities and negatively correlated with MDA and SOD. The authors conclude, "A higher level of plasma coenzyme Q10 (>=0.52 micro mol/L) was significantly associated with reducing the risk of CAD. Our results support the potential cardioprotective impact of coenzyme Q10."