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Senior Nutrition, Vitamins & Supplements
Seniors Protected from Atrial Fibrillation by Fish
with Omega-3, but Not Young Men
New study suggests varying effects of fish
consumption on heart
 May 18, 2006 – A previous study of eating fish rich
in omega-3 fatty acids by senior citizens, over age 65, found it offered
protection against the development of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most
common type of heart rhythm abnormality. A new study found that eating
fish more frequently was associated with a higher risk of developing
atrial fibrillation among healthy male physicians. After adjustment for
multiple risk factors for AF, lifestyle factors, and other dietary
factors, men who ate fish more than five times a week were at a 61
percent increased risk of developing AF as compared to men who ate fish
once a month.
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Eating fish rich in omega-3-fatty acids may have
different effects on the heart's electrical function, according to the
new study presented today at HEART RHYTHM 2006, the Heart Rhythm
Society's 27th Annual Scientific Sessions.
The study, "Relationship Between Fish Consumption
and the Development of Atrial Fibrillation in Men," analyzed data from
almost 17,700 male physicians in the Physicians' Health Study. The men
reported on their fish consumption in 1983; 15 years later they reported
if they had been diagnosed with AF. Of these participants, 1253 (7.1
percent) developed AF at the 15-year follow up. The analysis was
adjusted for multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors and lifestyle
habits.
These findings are similar to those reported
previously in a relatively young Danish population where the average age
was 56, but stand in contrast to those from a U.S. study conducted among
an older population of men and women over the age of 65. In this older
population, fish consumption was associated with reduced risks of
developing AF. In addition, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation reduced
the risk of developing AF after cardiac surgery in a randomized clinical
trial.
Dr. Aizer, attending electrophysiologist, New York
University Medical Center and one of the study authors, commented, "It
is important to recognize that within the same population as this
current study, fish consumption was associated with lower risk of sudden
cardiac death, which is the result of a much more life-threatening
cardiac arrhythmia, ventricular fibrillation."
The study authors noted that previous studies
suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may accentuate vagal tone. Enhanced
vagal tone has been shown to protect against ventricular fibrillation
and sudden cardiac death, but may promote atrial fibrillation in select
individuals.
Dr. Aizer said the current study's findings may be
influenced by the relatively young, healthy population of physicians
where vagal tone may have a more significant impact.
"The message of this study is not to stop eating
fish. AF is a complex condition that requires the interaction of a
number of risk factors to develop. Fish may have different effects on
different people. Lifestyle and dietary habits need to be tailored on an
individual basis to promote overall health. Clearly, more investigation
is needed to reach a more definitive answer about the multiple effects
of omega-3 fatty acid on the heart's electrical function," Dr. Aizer
concluded.
About Heart Rhythm Society
The Heart Rhythm Society is the international leader in science,
education and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and
patients, and the primary information resource on heart rhythm
disorders. Its mission is to improve the care of patients by promoting
research, education and optimal health care policies and standards.
Incorporated in 1979 and based in Washington, DC, it has a membership of
over 4,300 physicians and associated professionals in over 65 countries
around the world.
For more information, please visit the Heart Rhythm
Society website at
www.HRSonline.org.
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