Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiac Arrhythmias: Prior Studies and Recommendations for Future Research

C ompared with prehistoric times, the ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids in the modern diet has increased Ϸ10-fold to 20:1. 1,24]5 This has led to the recommendation by the American Heart Association that all adults eat fatty fish at least 2 times per week and that patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) are advised to consume Ϸ1 g/d of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) combined. 6,7The evidence base is not entirely consistent, and a number of randomized trials have failed to show a protective effect of n-3 PUFAs against arrhythmias. 8 -10 This has led to some uncertainty regarding the appropriate recommendations for their use. 11he present review originates from the Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Their Role in Cardiac Arrhythmogenesis Workshop sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the Office of Dietary Supplements on August 29 -30, 2005, and includes the findings from the recently published trials.Data from epidemiological studies, randomized clinical trials, animal studies, and basic science mechanistic studies on the role of n-3 PUFAs in arrhythmia prevention are examined.Areas in which the data are conflicting or our current knowledge is lacking are emphasized.