07.01.09
Indication: Heart attack
Source: American College of Cardiology’s 58th Annual Scientific Session, March 30, 2009
Research: Researchers studied more than 3800 people who had suffered heart attacks to determine the benefits of taking additional omega 3 fatty acids. The subjects were randomly assigned highly purified omega 3 supplements or placebo. They were already receiving optimal drug therapy. At the time of their heart attack, nearly 78% of the patients underwent angioplasty to open the blocked coronary artery. Others received drugs to reduce clots. Upon discharge from the hospital, most patients were prescribed drugs known to reduce the risk of having another heart attack.
Results: After a year, 4% of the patients died, 4% suffered another heart attack, 2% had a non-lethal stroke, and 1.5% suffered sudden cardiac death. There were no differences in these outcomes for patients taking omega 3 supplements or placebo, leading researchers to conclude that there is no additional benefit from taking supplemental omega 3s when subjects are already receiving optimal drug therapy.
Source: American College of Cardiology’s 58th Annual Scientific Session, March 30, 2009
Research: Researchers studied more than 3800 people who had suffered heart attacks to determine the benefits of taking additional omega 3 fatty acids. The subjects were randomly assigned highly purified omega 3 supplements or placebo. They were already receiving optimal drug therapy. At the time of their heart attack, nearly 78% of the patients underwent angioplasty to open the blocked coronary artery. Others received drugs to reduce clots. Upon discharge from the hospital, most patients were prescribed drugs known to reduce the risk of having another heart attack.
Results: After a year, 4% of the patients died, 4% suffered another heart attack, 2% had a non-lethal stroke, and 1.5% suffered sudden cardiac death. There were no differences in these outcomes for patients taking omega 3 supplements or placebo, leading researchers to conclude that there is no additional benefit from taking supplemental omega 3s when subjects are already receiving optimal drug therapy.