Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have been extensively studied for their benefits on heart health, and dietary fish oil has been associated with lower rates of cardiovascular death. DHA in particular is a fatty acid that shows several beneficial cardiac effects. One parameter of cardiac health is heart rate variability (HRV), a predictor of cardiac death that can be improved by exercise. HRV is an especial risk for obese adults.
In a recent randomized, double-blind, parallel comparison study, 65 sedentary, overweight individuals with risk factors for cardiovascular disease were given fish oil with a 4:1 mix of DHA and EPA or a placebo each day for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, it was found that the fish oil supplementation significantly improved HRV compared to the placebo group, as well as reducing heart rate during rest and light exercise.
These results support an earlier study which found that supplementation with fatty acids reduced resting heart rate and improved heart rate recovery after exercise in cardiac patients (O’Keefe et al. Am J Cardiol. 2006;97:1127-1130). Heart rate recovery after exercise is an independent predictor of cardiac mortality. Fatty acids from fish oil appear to have an anti-arrhythmic effect, and improve the elasticity of arteries. They have positive effects on lipids, blood pressure and circulatory function, all of which can improve the efficiency of the cardiac system and reduce heart rate. The results of this study further support the use of dietary fish oil supplementation for anyone with, or at risk of, cardiovascular disease.
Ninio et al. Docosahexaenoic acid-rish fish oil improves heart rate variability and heart rate responses to exercise in overweight adults. British Journal of Nutrition. 2008;published online ahead of print.
For more information see Omega Cardio
|
