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Electrophysiological mechanisms of the anti-arrhythmic effects of omega-3 fatty acids.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Richardson, ES; Iaizzo, PA; Xiao, Y-F
Published in: Journal of cardiovascular translational research
February 2011

Heart rhythm disorders, or arrhythmias, are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3PUFAs), commonly found in fish oils and plant seeds, have recently emerged as potential anti-arrhythmic agents. The purpose of this review is to summarize the electrophysiological basis of the anti-arrhythmic properties of ω3PUFAs from clinical, animal, and cellular research. Evidence of the anti-arrhythmic effects of ω3PUFAs originated from epidemiological studies that correlated a low incidence of sudden cardiac death with high dietary ω3PUFA intake. Subsequently, multiple clinical trials have confirmed the therapeutic effects of ω3PUFAs in preventing sudden cardiac death and multiple other arrhythmia-related disorders. This has led basic scientists to investigate the effects of ω3PUFAs on several ion channels including sodium, potassium, and calcium channels, as well as Na/Ca exchangers. Therefore, ω3PUFAs may hold promise as safe and effective anti-arrhythmic agents. Nevertheless, further research is needed in areas such as: (1) identifying which form(s) of ω3PUFAs (i.e., phospholipid, triglyceride, or free) is (are) responsible for anti-arrhythmic actions; and (2) developing reproducible methods for delivery so that the appropriate form and concentration may be present at the target site to prevent and treat arrhythmias.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Journal of cardiovascular translational research

DOI

EISSN

1937-5395

ISSN

1937-5387

Publication Date

February 2011

Volume

4

Issue

1

Start / End Page

42 / 52

Related Subject Headings

  • Treatment Outcome
  • Humans
  • Heart Conduction System
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Animals
  • 3201 Cardiovascular medicine and haematology
 

Citation

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Richardson, E. S., Iaizzo, P. A., & Xiao, Y.-F. (2011). Electrophysiological mechanisms of the anti-arrhythmic effects of omega-3 fatty acids. Journal of Cardiovascular Translational Research, 4(1), 42–52. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12265-010-9243-1
Richardson, Eric S., Paul A. Iaizzo, and Yong-Fu Xiao. “Electrophysiological mechanisms of the anti-arrhythmic effects of omega-3 fatty acids.Journal of Cardiovascular Translational Research 4, no. 1 (February 2011): 42–52. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12265-010-9243-1.
Richardson ES, Iaizzo PA, Xiao Y-F. Electrophysiological mechanisms of the anti-arrhythmic effects of omega-3 fatty acids. Journal of cardiovascular translational research. 2011 Feb;4(1):42–52.
Richardson, Eric S., et al. “Electrophysiological mechanisms of the anti-arrhythmic effects of omega-3 fatty acids.Journal of Cardiovascular Translational Research, vol. 4, no. 1, Feb. 2011, pp. 42–52. Epmc, doi:10.1007/s12265-010-9243-1.
Richardson ES, Iaizzo PA, Xiao Y-F. Electrophysiological mechanisms of the anti-arrhythmic effects of omega-3 fatty acids. Journal of cardiovascular translational research. 2011 Feb;4(1):42–52.
Journal cover image

Published In

Journal of cardiovascular translational research

DOI

EISSN

1937-5395

ISSN

1937-5387

Publication Date

February 2011

Volume

4

Issue

1

Start / End Page

42 / 52

Related Subject Headings

  • Treatment Outcome
  • Humans
  • Heart Conduction System
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Animals
  • 3201 Cardiovascular medicine and haematology