Omega-3 fatty acids and prevention of arrhythmias

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is now a considerable factual basis from laboratory and clinical trials that omega-3 fatty acids of fish oil will prevent fatal arrhythmias in animals and humans and this is the focus of the review. RECENT FINDINGS: Several recent trials in humans have strengthened the evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may prevent arrhythmias although this has not been a uniform finding. SUMMARY: Since there are at present some 400 000 deaths annually in the US alone and millions more worldwide, what has been learned about the antiarrhythmic actions of omega-3 fatty acids has considerable potential public-health benefit.