Since recent studies showed supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids (fish oils) may reduce the incidence of sudden cardiac death, researchers have focused on the possible role that fish oil may have in reducing incidence of arrhythmia.
A study published in JAMA this June from the Oregon University of Health Sciences investigated the effects that fish oil supplementation had on the incidence of ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation in participants with an implantable cardiac defibrillator. The participants in this study have had at least one occurrence of sustained ventricular tachycardia, a serious arrhythmia that can lead to sudden cardiac failure.
Participants were given 1.8 grams of fish oil per day and median follow up was 2 years. The incidence of arrhythmia did not decrease in the group receiving fish oil. Results showed that fish oil might actually promote arrhythmia in participants with an implantable cardiac defibrillator.
The authors conclude that fish oil in this population does not offer preventative or beneficial effects, yet other populations may have some benefit from fish oils supplementation in regards to possible anti-arrhythmic effects.
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