Since the early 1970s, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have been praised for their heart health benefits. Studies have linked DHA and EPA from fish oil to improvements in blood lipid levels, a reduced tendency of thrombosis, blood pressure and heart rate improvements, and improved vascular function; now, new data suggests that a diet rich in omega-3 acids could reduce the risk of irregular heartbeat.
A new study from the Harvard School of Public Health has concluded that increased levels of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation, the most common irregular heartbeat in adults, by approximately 30 percent. “Our findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acids could be beneficial for the prevention of onset of atrial fibrillation in older individuals, a group at particularly high risk,” said Dr. Darius Mozaffarian, who led the study. Data from 3,326 American men and women with an average age of 74 was analyzed, with the highest average levels of omega-3 fatty acids corresponding with an atrial fibrillation risk reduction of about 25 percent.
Researchers found that as the patients’ percentage of omega-3 acids continued to rise, the risk of atrial fibrillation fell. Wrote Dr. Mozaffarian, “When evaluated continuously as percentage of total fatty acids, each 1% higher total [of omega-3 fatty acids] was associated with 9% lower risk of atrial fibrillation.”
Fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids are already taken as supplements for their heart health benefits. This new data gives yet another reason to protect your heart.
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