Fish oil helps prevent arrhythmias in patients with defibrillators

In a 2005 report published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation, Alexander Leaf, MD of Massachusetts General Hospital and his Boston colleagues wrote that a daily omega-3 fatty acid (fish oil) supplement may help protect against potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmias. The current study adds to the evidence that omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-arrhythmic action and may reduce potentially life-threatening arrhythmias. "If the present data are confirmed," the authors write, "these fatty acids may also be recommended as a less toxic alternative to usual antiarrhythmic drugs to prevent recurrent episodes of VT/VF. This is very helpful for patients with defibrillators.

Several other research studies demonstrate that fish oil concentrates help regulate cardiac arrhythmias (dose: 5-8 caps daily) eight capsules a day.

Benefits

There are a myriad of benefits of supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids including improving circulation, helping to preserve healthy vision, reducing "bad" cholesterol and increasing "good" cholesterol, reducing triglycerides, reducing overall inflammation to name a few. Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids may also help preserve vision for those with a variety of different eye conditions including macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and eye inflammatory conditions such as iritis, uveitis, optic neuritis and macular edema. Trying to get your daily amount of omega-3 oil from fish is not recommended due to the high levels of mercury and toxins being found in fish. Fish oil from fish lower on the food chain is safer.

Other helpful nutrients

  • Acetyl-L-carnitine, in Europe, is used in cardiac arrhythmia treatment.
  • Calcium not only helps reduce high blood pressure, and strengthens bones, but reduces cardiac arrhythmia.
  • In addition to reducing cardiac arrhythmia, COQ10 lessens angina attacks, congestive heart failure, heart valve irregularities, periodontal disease; lowers blood pressure.
  • According to some research, Perilla oil (from an Asian plant Perilla which is rich in omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid), works as well as fish oil, without any gastrointestinal side effects.
  • Garlic also reduces the frequency of cardiac arrhythmias. It also has been found to lower high blood pressure, decrease fibrinogen (a factor in rheumatoid arthritis); fight free radicals, slow blood clotting, protect artery walls from damage, and slightly lower blood glucose levels.
  • Ginkgo biloba, which has been found to reduce cardiac arrhythmias also improves memory and blood circulation; reduces clotting and fibrogen, acts as an antioxidant; protects capillary walls; and reduces the frequency of angina attacks.
  • In addition to its antiarrhythmic effect, magnesium lowers hypertension and is beneficial in mitral valve prolapse.

Source: www.lef.org/protocols/prtcl-012.shtml