In:
Circulation, Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), Vol. 125, No. suppl_10 ( 2012-03-13)
Abstract:
Background: Epidemiological and interventional studies suggest that omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids derived from fish oil can reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular disease. Based on these observations, the omega-3 index [eicosapantaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content in cell red blood membranes] has been suggested as a novel risk marker for cardiac death. Objective: To assess whether the omega-3 index can predict all-cause mortality, cardiac death and sudden cardiac death (SCD) following hospitalization with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Material and methods: The omega-3 index was measured in 572 consecutive patients admitted with chest pain and suspected ACS in an inland Northern Argentinean city with a dietary habit essentially based on red meat and a low intake of fish. The median age of the included patients was 63 years and 59 % were males. Clinical endpoints were collected during a 5-year follow-up period, median 3.64 years, range 1 day to 5.46 years. Stepwise Cox regression analysis was employed to compare the rate of new events in the quartiles of the omega-3 index measured at inclusion. In our multivariable analysis we corrected for age, sex, arterial hypertension, diabetes, smoking history, body mass index, previous coronary heart disease, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, brain natriuretic peptide, Troponin-T release and use of statins and beta-blockers. Results: No statistical significant differences in baseline characteristics were noted between quartiles of the omega-3 index. The median omega 3-index was 2.8%, and ranging from 1.9% in the lowest to 3.8% in the highest quartile. During the follow-up period, 100 (17.5%) patients died. Event rates were similar in all quartiles of the omega-3 index, with no statistical significant differences. Conclusions: In a population with a low intake of fish and fish oils, the omega-3 index did not predict future fatal events in patients with acute chest pain and suspected ACS, suggesting that index levels less than 4% are too low to be protective.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0009-7322
,
1524-4539
DOI:
10.1161/circ.125.suppl_10.AP069
Language:
English
Publisher:
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Publication Date:
2012
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1466401-X
Permalink