Omega-3 supplements reduce risk of arrhythmia and days of hospitalization after cardiac surgery
Omega-3 supplements reduce risk of arrhythmia and days of hospitalization after cardiac surgery
Treatment with omega-3 supplements in patients undergoing cardiac surgery attenuates postoperative complications such as arrhythmia and reduces hospitalization by up to 2.4 days. The anti-arrhythmic action together with the anti-inflammatory action of omega-3s, therefore, in addition to benefiting the patient's health results in savings in health care costs.
These are the findings of a study conducted by researchers at Sherbrooke University in Quebec, Canada, and published a few months ago in the journal Clinical Nutrition.
Omega-3 and heart health: the action on cardiac arrhythmia
Over the past 30 years, an impressive number of studies have highlighted the protective role of omega-3 fatty acids at the cardiovascular level. In particular, clinical and epidemiological studies have shown a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease in populations eating a diet rich in fish, the main source of omega-3, and a reduction in the risk of sudden cardiac death after myocardial infarction in patients treated with EPA and DHA supplements.
The mechanisms by which omega-3s exert their protective effect on the heart appear to be diverse. They have a positive action on the cardiovascular system through their anti-arteriosclerotic activity and regulation of blood vessel wall elasticity. In addition, omega-3s reduce triglycerides in the blood through increased fatty acid oxidation and decreased fatty acid synthesis. They also play a regulatory function in platelet aggregation and have significant anti-arrhythmic action. Omega-3s are a key component of the body's cell membranes, whose structure and function they regulate.
It has been hypothesized, in fact, that the anti-arrhythmic action exerted by them might depend on their ability to influence certain functions of the cardiac cell membrane by varying the lipid composition, but also on their anti-inflammatory properties. Arrhythmias are irregularities in the normal electrical activity of the heart and represent the most common abnormality of heart function, in people of all ages. Normally, the heart rate varies between 60 and 100 beats per minute, and contractions occur in a regular pattern. An arrhythmia is said to occur when the heart rate falls outside this range; specifically, when it is less than 60 beats per minute it is brachycardia, and when the rate exceeds 100 beats per minute it is tachycardia. In certain patients, arrhythmias can cause poor quality of life, result in the appearance or worsening of underlying heart disease, and be the basis of sudden cardiac death.
Several causes contribute to arrhythmias: - Congenital heart disease, i.e., present from birth. - Arterial hypertension. - Cardiac ischemia. - Myocardial infarction. - Hyperthyroidism. - Abuse of alcohol, drugs and smoking. - Drug intoxication. In addition, arrhythmia is the most common complication of cardiac surgery, with constant need for treatment and increased length of stay in intensive care units. Omega-3 supplementation appears to be a therapeutic option for patients undergoing open-heart surgery, but several studies have found conflicting results on its effect in these patients.
Omega-3 supplements reduce the period of hospitalization
The research, carried out by Canadian scientists in order to define the relationship between omega-3 supplements and the outcome of surgery, took into account the results of other studies conducted on the subject and showed that such supplements, in the correct amounts, reduce the length of hospitalization due to their positive effect on arrhythmias. Specifically, in the meta-analysis, the researchers looked at 11 studies, with a total of 1038 patients.
The duration of hospitalization in intensive care units; overall hospitalization, mortality and duration of mechanical ventilation; and the presence of postoperative atrial fibrillation, a common form of arrhythmia that can occur immediately after cardiac surgery due to the "stress" suffered by the heart, were considered. The results showed that omega-3 supplementation has positive effects on the duration of hospitalization and postoperative atrial fibrillation. The data did not show, however, an action on the duration of ICU hospitalization.
According to Dr. Pascal Langlois, co-author of the research, the reduction in hospital days in this study is associated with the tendency of those who received the omega-3 supplements to have a lower risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation. Although the exact mechanism of this effect is not yet totally known it is thought to be due to the anti-inflammatory and anti-arrhythmic properties of omega-3. In fact, again according to Langlois, EPA and DHA are now well known for their positive effects on cardiovascular health, including anti-arrhythmic action, and for reducing mortality in patients with recent myocardial infarction or heart failure, as well as for their interesting anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties.
Omega-3 supplements help reduce health care spending
Although there are conflicting clinical and statistical data on the action of omega-3 supplements preoperatively, this and other studies highlight that this type of treatment may be a promising strategy to control the serious consequences of cardiac surgery. Indeed, the results show a decrease in arrhythmias and hospital stay, suggesting that consumption of omega-3-rich fish oil as a supplement also leads to a reduction in overall health care costs.
Cardiol forte for the well-being of the heart
To support proper heart function, 250 milligrams per day of EPA and DHA are needed. There are several supplements produced by Omegor that meet this amount of omega-3 and help keep blood lipids in check. Cardiol forte is a supplement containing 350 milligrams of EPA and DHA, but also Monacolin K, Coenzyme Q 10, polyphenols and B vitamins. Just take one capsule a day, before dinner, to keep cholesterol, oxidative stress and heart protection in check. To stay up-to-date on the latest news from Omega-3 scientific research, sign up for our newsletter.
Source: Pascal Langlois, Gil Hardy, William Manzanares "Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in cardiac surgery patients: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis" Clinical Nutrition.
