Fish Oil Dilemma: Does It Increase the Risk of Ventricular Arrhythmias and Death? Can Fish Oil Kill You?

Abstract

Omega-3-fatty-acids are now increasingly being used for potential beneficial anti-inflammatory effect in the treatment and management of cardiovascular disease. Eicosapentaenoic acid and Docosahexaenoic acid are 2 essential omega-3 fatty acids found predominately in fish and fish oil supplements. Despite the increased use of fish oil products for both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, the available literature evidence are controversial. We searched through PubMed for studies that have investigated the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on coronary heart disease and mortality. Our systemic review suggests that most studies, which are mostly observational, have found there to be a potential benefit of omega-3 fatty acids on coronary heart disease whereas some other studies have found conflicting results. More randomized controlled studies are warranted with adequate sample size to clearly establish the risk and benefits of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular disease.