Effects of n-3 fatty acids from fish on premature ventricular complexes and heart rate in humans

A large body of evidence suggests that n-3 fatty acids from fish prevent fatal heart disease. They may be an effective and safe alternative to drug treatment for reducing the risk of arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death.

We investigated the effect of n-3 fatty acids on heart rate and premature ventricular complexes (PVCs), a common form of arrhythmia that may trigger arrhythmias that are more life-threatening.

Patients (n=84) with >or=1440 PVCs/24 h in a previous Holter recording were randomly assigned to receive 1.5 g/d of either n-3 fatty acids or placebo. Two 24-h Holter recordings were made at baseline, and 2 were made after an intervention of approximately 14 wk.

Treatment did not significantly affect the number of PVCs. The number decreased in the fish-oil group by 867/24 h more than it decreased in placebo group (95% CI: -3187, 1453). However, the mean 24-h heart rate was significantly affected, decreasing in the fish-oil group by a mean of 2.1 beats/min more than it decreased in the placebo group (95% CI: -3.9, -0.3).

Supplementation with 1.5 g n-3 fatty acids/d from fish does not substantially suppress the number of PVCs in a patient population with frequent PVCs. However, n-3 fatty acids decreased heart rate by 2.1 beats/min, a significant decrease that predicts a lower risk of sudden death.