omega 3

Have any of you tried omega 3 supplementation to lower your heart rate? I just received an e mail from my EP in Cleveland Clinic suggesting that I try this before my total sinus node ablation, which is supposed to happen soon. She says that it's worked in animals, but apparently there's no evidence it works in humans. Do you know about this?

Thanks,
Meredith

5 Comments

Worth A Shot!

by scadnama - 2009-05-08 07:05:22

I have never heard that Omega 3 can lower your heart rate, but I'd say give it a shot. I would exhaust all options before having a complete sinus node ablation.
I had mine completely ablated back in November, and while I did pretty well at first, I am now suffering from more arrhythmias. I know that for some people, it is the only option...me included...but I would just make sure that it is the ONLY other option before agreeing to it.

Amanda

Omega 3

by Pookie - 2009-05-08 08:05:00

Hi.

I've done some research on Omega 3 and this is an article I found, hope it helps, sorry but I forgot where I found it....

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are key for normal development and growth. Omega-3 supplements have also become one of the most popular supplements in the U.S. They're used to prevent and treat a number of serious diseases.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Uses
Studies show strong evidence that omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels. People who have had a heart attack and are treated with omega-3 fatty acids have a lower risk of having further heart attacks. Omega-3 fatty acids may lower the overall risk of death from heart disease. There's also good evidence that diets high omega-3 fatty acids help with rheumatoid arthritis.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been studied in many other conditions. They include asthma, cancer, depression, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis. While some of these studies have been promising, they're still inconclusive.

The different types of omega-3 fatty acids can be confusing. There are the fish oils, which contain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA.) Then there are the plant sources with alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is converted into omega-3 fatty acids in the body.

Studies have generally used fish oils. While plant sources with ALA may have the same benefits, less is known about them. For now, fish oils with DHA and EPA have the more established benefit.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Dose and Instructions for Use
There are no standard doses for omega-3 fatty acids. The American Heart Association recommends 1 gram per day of EPA+DHA for people with heart disease. Higher doses -- between 2 to 4 grams per day -- are used to lower triglycerides. If you need to take omega-3 fatty acid supplements, ask your doctor what dosage you should use. Children shouldn't use omega-3 fatty acid supplements unless a doctor suggests it.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Food Sources
Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include:

Coldwater fish, like mackerel, tuna, salmon, and sardines

Flaxseed and canola oils

Soybeans and tofu

Walnuts


The American Heart Association recommends that people eat fish at least twice a week to increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

Eating fewer foods with omega-6 fatty acids -- like some meats, eggs, and oils -- can also improve levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the body. People in the U.S. eat diets that have at least 10 times as many omega-6 as they do omega-3 fatty acids. This imbalance may play a role in the onset of many diseases.


Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supplement Information
Omega-3 fatty acids are often sold as capsules. Like any supplement, keep them in a cool, dry place, away from humidity and direct sunlight.

Since omega-3 fatty acids can upset the stomach, take them with food. It's also best to start with low doses and gradually increase as needed.

Side effects. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements might cause upset stomach or diarrhea. These side effects are worse at higher doses.

Interactions. If you take blood thinners, anti-platelet drugs, or anti-inflammatory painkillers (like Advil or Motrin) talk to your doctor about using omega-3 fatty acids. The combination may increase the risk of bleeding. The same risks may apply to people taking supplements like ginkgo biloba.

Risks. People who are pregnant, have diabetes, a high risk of bleeding, or high LDL cholesterol should be wary of omega-3 fatty acid supplements. At very high doses, they could increase the risk of hemorrhagic strokes.

Eating fish is generally the best way to get omega-3 fatty acids. But keep in mind that some fish contain higher levels of mercury: king mackerel, swordfish, and albacore tuna. The benefits of eating fish are thought to outweigh the risks, but it's a good idea to limit intake of these high-mercury fish.

Hope this helps.

Pookie

Off comment-Omega 3's

by mrag - 2009-05-09 02:05:23

Was recently at local ICD user's group meeting and Omega 3 came up. The cardiologists there seemed split on whether they made a difference or not.

What was agreed was that a small national grocery market "Trader Joes" sold a very good brand eg., it was a good place to buy the Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

I've not tried them, am not sure how many Trader Joe's there are and have no idea if there are "better" sources (like Acme), but I thought I would pass along what appears to be pretty reliable information.

Give it a whirl

by ElectricFrank - 2009-05-10 01:05:55

It can't hurn! Don't worry about the opinions of the medical community. When they tell be that there is no research to show that something works, I ask them if there is any research one way or the other on it. Usually the answer is NO. This simply means they don't know.

frank

helped me

by Tracey_E - 2009-05-11 07:05:37

I started on salmon oil (Now brand, got it on amazon after a recommendation here) about two months ago and also cut out all caffeine and I've noticed a difference, less svt than befroe. As Frank said, it sure won't hurt so you've got nothing to lose but the cost of the supplement.

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