Omega-3 And Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) is responsible for numerous deaths in the U.S. and other countries around the world. It is not the same as a heart attack. A heart attack normally occurs when advanced atherosclerosis (clogging of the arteries) slowly starves the heart causing irreversible damage. The heart finally cannot function properly and stops. Sudden cardiac death occurs when the electrical impulses that control heart function become erratic resulting in an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). When the arrhythmia is severe enough the heart suddenly stops, starving the brain of needed blood. Death often follows quickly unless emergency care is administered immediately. Often sudden cardiac death occurs when no other heart disease is detected.

It has long been understood that eating fish can reduce the likelihood of heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases. The reason? Fish, especially cold-water fatty fish, is high in two omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). These two fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-3 has been shown to reduce the build-up of artery clogging atherosclerosis and keep blood platelets from sticking together thus reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

But more recent studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids also have an effect on the dangerous arrhythmias that can cause sudden cardiac death by regulating the impulses that control heart rhythm.

One study involved the use of mycocytes (cells that beat independently). By adding the free fatty acids to these cells arrhythmias were aborted. When the fatty acids were extracted from the mycocytes the arrhythmias would reoccur thus indicating that omega-3 fatty acids have a stabilizing effect on heart rhythm. The apparent mechanism for controlling rhythm involved cell ion channels, proteins that control the movement of sodium, calcium and potassium ions across the membrane of the cell.

Another study, conducted by Danish researchers, examined the relationship between heart rate variability and omega-3 fatty acids in healthy subjects. It had already been determined that heart arrhythmias could be positively impacted in patients who were recent heart attack victims. These researchers wanted to determine if people otherwise free of heart disease could gain the same arrhythmia controlling benefits from omega-3 fatty acids.

Sixty healthy adults were randomly divided into three groups. The first group received daily supplements containing 6.6 g of omega-3 (containing 3.0g EPA and 2.9g DHA). Group two received 2.0g of omega-3 (containing 0.9g EPA and 0.8g DHA). The remaining group received only an olive oil placebo. The supplements were given for 12 weeks. Before and after the supplements were consumed heart rate variability and blood cell fatty acids were measured. It was found that heart rate variability was favorably influenced by the amount of omega-3 consumed. In other words, the more omega-3 one consumed the higher the heart rate variability, especially in men with low heart rate variability before supplementing.

The researchers concluded that omega-3 fatty acids positively affected heart rate variability thus having a protective effect on heart function. These finding were similar to those of earlier studies showing that omega-3 positively affects heart rhythm in patients who had suffered a previous heart attack. Since sudden cardiac death is the result of erratic heart rhythm, omega-3â??s heart protective qualities show great promise in the fight against sudden cardiac arrest. The mechanical studies completed by these and other researchers seemed to confirm other studies that the oral ingestion of fish and fish oils provide prophylaxis for the prevention of fatal cardiac arrhythmias when taken regularly in small amounts. In simple terms, consuming fish and fish oil supplements can save lives.

Greg holds degrees in science, divinity and philosophy and is currently an I.T. developer.

http://www.optimal-heart-health.com/fishoil s.html

http://www.optimal-heart-health.com/ca rdiacarrest.html

---

Sugar, Vitamin C and Competitive Inhibition

Carboloading of a different variety.Saturday in Tucson before the 1982... Read More

The History of Hyaluronic Acid Treatments

While HA has dramatically increased in popularity and use within... Read More

Eat Well First Before You Take Your Vitamins

There is a huge market when it comes to vitamins.... Read More

What are Glyconutrients?

Simply stated, the Greek word glyco refers to "sweet." Hence,... Read More

The Beneficial Effects Of Vitamins On Your Digestive System

As much as we would like to deny it, the... Read More

Vitamin A ? The Glow-in-the-dark Vitamin

The ancient Egyptians had a cure for "night blindness". They... Read More

Sleep and Vitamins

Vitamins and Minerals Can Improve SleepTaking proper vitamins and minerals... Read More

Colostrum: Immune Support From Mothers Milk

This complex mixture of nutrient-rich growth factors, immunoglobulins, glycoconjugates and... Read More

ZINOPIN: New All In One Natural Travel Supplement!

According to Dr John Scurr leading Consultant Vascular Surgeon and... Read More

Creatine, Caffeine, and Carbohydrates - Supplements That Work

It would seem that everyone is looking to squeeze the... Read More

Ganoderma Lucidum - The Wonder Herb

One of the most apparent influences modern times has brought... Read More

The Real Truth About Supplements

Not All Supplements are Created Equal. There are more supplements... Read More

Tart Cherries - Natural Cox-2 Inhibitors, Now Available in One A Day Softgels for Arthritis and Gout

After nearly 4 years of research and development, Flavonoid Sciences... Read More

Vitamin Euphoria ? A Shot in the Dark

Vitamins seem to be so good for everything. The newly... Read More

Beyond Vitamins and Minerals - Glyconutrients

It is well known and scientifically proven that vitamins and... Read More

Beta-Glucan May Prevent Anthrax When Taken Orally

In a 2002 study, a group of researchers used oral... Read More

Physical Activity and Supplements Found to Increase HDL Cholesterol Levels

Much of what we hear and read in the media... Read More

Know Your Bodybuilding Supplement - HMB

HMB stands for beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate. It is a metabolite of... Read More

Creatine: More than a Sports Nutrition Supplement

Although creatine offers an array of benefits, most people think... Read More

Nutritional Supplements: The Amazing Vitamin C

The real facts about Vitamin C may surprise you. First... Read More

The Frightening But True Facts About Smoking

If you think that smoking is a harmless little hobby... Read More

Why Do Supplements Make You Sick?

I have good news for you! The answer is both... Read More

Taurox SB: A Balanced Immune System Leads to Increased Energy

Taurox is an excellent way to find true and healthy... Read More

New Health Miracle -- Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil

"High-dose pharmaceutical-grade fish oil is as close to a medical... Read More

Vitamin Supplements, Do We Need Them?

We live in a health conscious generation where vitamins and... Read More

Nutritional Supplements: The Amazing Benefits of Vitamin E

The real benefits of Vitamin E may surprise you. First... Read More

Know Your Bodybuilding Supplement - Methoxyisoflavone

Flavones are the latest big supplement to hit the market.... Read More

Calcium Supplement

Calcium Supplement ? why calcium.Why is calcium supplement so important?... Read More

Body Building Supplementation

Body Building Supplement ? what is it?The term "body building... Read More

Suffering From Osteoarthritis Pain? Natural Relief Is Available

It is clearly evident that hyaluronic acid in its oral... Read More

Enzyme Supplements for Digestion and Health

Most people understand the concept of vitamin and mineral supplementation,... Read More

What Everyone Should Know About Supplements

For years now we have heard that supplementing our diets... Read More

Vitamin Supplement Ratings ? Proof Of Popularity

Vitamin supplement ratings quite clearly show just how popular nutritional... Read More