Health experts and organizations recommend eating at least two servings of fish every week. The most important nutrient in fish is omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for both our heart and our brain.

But there’s a new study that gives more good news to people who are at risk of heart attack and those who may have already suffered from it. According to the study, supplementing on omega-3-rich fish oil can help reduce damage caused by heart attack.

More Information

The study is headed by researchers from Harvard Medical School, along with Brigham and Women’s Hospital. According to the researchers, the heart attack survivors should be given fish oil supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids every day for up to six months. What the nutrient does is that it enables the heart to contract better, while helping reduce tissue buildup in the parts of the heart that have not been damaged by the attack. This is also helpful for people who are at risk of heart attack, so that their loved ones already know what to do in case the situation arises.

The researchers, particularly the author of the study Dr. Raymond Kwong, said that the omega-3 fatty acids are safe for everyone, including those who already had a heart attack. It is therefore an effective treatmentthat can pave the way for an improved and faster cardiac remodeling. This means that taking fish oil supplements can reduce the risk of heart failure or even death.

Where Did the Conclusion Come From?

Kwong explained that they studied the effects of omega-3 to patients who suffered from a heart attack, along with the other following details, to help them arrive at the conclusion:

• 360 patients who had a heart attack were divided into two groups: the first group with four grams of fish oil and the other with a placebo every day for six months.
• The researchers used fish oil supplements that were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• Using MRI, Kwong and his team checked the hearts of the participants before and after the duration of the study.
• The results were convincing for the researchers: those who took fish oil supplements had a 5.8% decrease in heart muscle scarring, 6% improvement in their hearts’ ability to perform, and there was less inflammation as well.

All the participants in the study were taking other drugs as part of their medication, so they were under the observation of doctors to make sure they remain safe. Fish oil supplements are safe for heart attack survivors and they have health benefits including decreasing triglycerides, lowering blood pressure, and lowering cholesterol – all of which contribute to a stronger and healthier heart.

Share This Post