Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have scientific support for their use as adjunctive therapy in the management of congestive heart failure (CHF). Several clinical trials and meta-analyses suggest that omega-3 supplementation may provide modest benefits in patients with heart failure. The most notable evidence comes from the GISSI-HF trial (2008), a large, randomized, placebo-controlled study involving over 6,000 patients with chronic heart failure. This trial found that daily supplementation with 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids resulted in a small but statistically significant reduction in all-cause mortality and cardiovascular hospitalizations compared to placebo.

The proposed mechanisms for the beneficial effects of omega-3s in CHF include anti-inflammatory properties, reduction in arrhythmia risk, improvement in endothelial function, and favorable effects on cardiac remodeling. Omega-3s may also have anti-thrombotic effects and help reduce elevated triglyceride levels, which can be relevant in heart failure management.

Though the benefits are modest, international guidelines such as those from the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) recognize omega-3 fatty acids as a reasonable adjunctive therapy in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, especially when optimal medical therapy has already been established. However, the evidence is not strong enough to recommend omega-3 fatty acids as a primary or standalone therapy for CHF, and the overall effect size is modest, which is reflected in the evidence score.

More about omega-3 fatty acids
More about Congestive Heart Failure

Other ingredients used for Congestive Heart Failure

Other health conditions supported by omega-3 fatty acids

Products containing omega-3 fatty acids

Nature's Sunshine Flax Seed Oil (With Lignans)