Soy and Fish Oil may Prevent Heart Attacks
Reported April 14, 2005
(Ivanhoe Newswire) — Researchers from Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta have discovered daily supplements of fish or soy oil may improve cardiac function and protect against heart attacks in the short-term.
Researchers randomized nursing home residents to receive either daily fish oil or soy oil capsules. The fish oil capsules contained omega-3 fatty acids, while the soy oil capsules contained a lower daily dose of a plant-derived omega-3 fatty acid.
Omega-3 fatty acids improve heart function by providing greater variability between beats, reducing the risk of arrhythmia and/or sudden death.
According to study authors, medical community professionals currently believe omega-3 fatty acids only produce long-term cardiac benefits. However, this study showed improvements in heart function in as short a time as two weeks.
Taking a daily supplement of fish or soy oil may help reduce the risk of suffering an adverse cardiovascular event, such as arrhythmia or sudden death, says lead study author Fernando Holguin, M.D.
Studies like this demonstrate there are additional approaches we can take to protect ourselves from heart attacks, says Paul Kvale, M.D., president of the American College of Chest Physicians. Its exciting to see the potential for omega-3 fatty acids in improving heart function when it complements a healthy lifestyle of exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting eight hours of sleep.
SOURCE: CHEST, 2005;127:1102-1107
