Heart attack survivors seemed to have found an ally by taking high doses of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil according to new research from the American Heart Association.

Since heart failure is still a major problem after a heart attack, researchers wanted to see if taking a higher dose of omega-3 fatty acids had any effect on improvements to the heart after a heart attack. The results looks promising as the new study showed that omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil may improve heart function and reduce scarring in the heart muscle after surviving a heart attack.

The research study published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation, was designed by having 360 patients divided into two groups where one group was given 4 grams of omega-3 fatty acids while the other group was given a placebo.  This regimen was conducted for six months after their heart attacks.  To evaluate any changes in the heart muscle, MRI scans were used before and after the study.

Discoveries from the study showed participants taking omega-3 fatty acids had a 6 percent improvement in heart function and a 5.6 percent reduction of scarring in the heart muscle.

It has always been a problem for some survivors of a heart attack to experience an increased incidence of heart failure due to changes in the heart’s shape and function after the attack.  Such changes can negatively result in a reduced quality of life with serious healthcare issues they may face.

The fish oil used in the study was a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved purified form.  It is not recommended for anyone to use supplementation of the amount used in the study as it is a much higher dose than normally prescribed.  A patient should always check with their doctor before take a fish oil supplement as they may cause an increased risk of bleeding particularly if on a blood thinner like Coumadin.  Also always stop taking fish oil 2 weeks before any surgery.

Omega-3 fatty acids are an integral part of cell membranes throughout the body.  They are the starting point for making hormones that regulate blood clotting, contraction and relaxation of artery walls, and inflammation.  Due to these effects, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help prevent heart disease and stroke and may play protective roles in cancer, protecting the brain and other conditions.

The human body can make most of the type of fat it needs from other fats or raw materials but that is not the case for omega-3 fatty acids.  They are referred to as an essential fat – the body can’t make them from scratch but must get them from food sources. 

Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include the following:

Fish with omega-3s

Halibut, herring, mackerel, oysters, salmon, sardines, trout and tuna

Dairy and juices fortified with omega-3s

Eggs, margarine, milk, juice, soy milk, yogurt

Grains, nuts and seeds with omega-3s

Bread, cereal, flaxseed, peanut butter, pumpkin seeds, walnuts

Fresh produce with omega-3s

Brussel sprouts, kale, mint, parsley, spinach, watercress

Oils with omega-3s

Canola oil, cod liver oil, flaxseed oil, mustard oil, soybean oil and walnut oil