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Published on: October 31, 2017
Trans-fatty acids and sudden cardiac death
Rozenn N Lemaitre1, Irena B King, Dariush Mozaffarian
1Cardiovascular Health Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA. rozenl@u.washington.edu
Atherosclerosis. Supplements
|May 23, 2006
Summary
High levels of trans-18:2 fatty acids in red blood cell membranes significantly increase the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Limiting dietary intake of trans-18:2 is advisable, as trans-18:1 shows no increased risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Nutritional Epidemiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a primary manifestation of heart disease, often caused by ventricular fibrillation.
- n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are known to prevent ventricular fibrillation and SCD.
- The role of dietary trans-fatty acids (TFA) in SCD risk requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on the association between trans-fatty acids (TFA) in cell membranes and the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD).
- To differentiate the potential impact of specific TFA isomers on SCD risk.
Main Methods:
- Review of an observational study examining red blood cell membrane fatty acid composition.
- Analysis of the association between specific trans-fatty acid isomers (trans-18:2 and trans-18:1) and SCD risk.
Main Results:
- High levels of trans-18:2 (linoleic acid isomers) in red blood cell membranes were markedly associated with a higher risk of SCD.
- Trans-18:1 (oleic acid isomers), a common dietary TFA, did not appear to be associated with an increased risk of SCD.
Conclusions:
- Trans-18:2 isomers in cell membranes may play a role in cardiac arrhythmia and SCD.
- Dietary intake of trans-18:2 should be limited as a precautionary measure.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms linking trans-18:2 to arrhythmia.
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