Fish oil beats cholesterol drug in heart failure

September 3, 10:37 AMBaltimore Health ExaminerDr. Delia Chiaramonte

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Adding fish oil to standard therapy for patients with heart failure was more helpful than adding a potent cholesterol drug, according to a study published in The Lancet. The fish oil reduced hospital admissions and death, while the cholesterol drug had no effect.

There has been increasing interest in fish oil in the last few years. Another study found that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil decreased complications after a heart attack. It isn’t just fish in a pill that is likely to be helpful, fish on your dinner plate presumably has the same effect.

These omega-3 fatty acids are thought to support the health of multiple organ systems, including the heart, blood vessels, and immune system. Don’t confuse them with omega-6 fatty acids, which are common in the American diet and are likely contributers to heart disease and stroke.

Adults with no history of heart disease (or fish allergy) should eat fish twice a week, according to the American Heart Association. More frequent consumption may expose you to excess levels of mercury and other toxins, so the benefits might not be worth the risk. Fatty fish are best – these include salmon, anchovies, carp, catfish, and halibut. Dose recommendations for fish oil pills are less clear, but 1-2 grams per day is an often-recommended dose. There are even highly purified fish oil pills that are safe for people with fish allergy.

The best evidence for fish oil supplements is for those with high blood pressure, high triglycerides (although the benefit is not the same for other types of high cholesterol), and in those with a history of heart attack. Other potential benefits include decreasing systemic inflammation and preventing heart attacks in those who are high risk.

Even mainstream cardiologists are talking about fish oil now – and many are taking it themselves. The pills are relatively cheap, appear to be safe in commonly used doses, and may have significant health benefits.

If you worry about heart attacks, think about fish oil. I make my husband take them!

Be well,

Dr. C
www.insightmedicalconsultants.com