Trans-fatty acids and sudden cardiac death.
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is usually due to ventricular fibrillation and can occur as a first manifestation of heart disease. Prevention of ventricular fibrillation and SCD with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is well documented. Trans-fatty acids (TFA) in the diet and cell membranes might affect the risk of SCD as well. We review evidence from an observational study that high levels of trans-18:2 (9 cis-, 12 trans- and 9 trans-, 12 cis-isomers of linoleic acid) in red blood cell membranes are associated with markedly higher risk of SCD. In contrast, cell membrane levels of trans-18:1 (trans-isomers of oleic acid), the major TFA in foods, do not appear associated with higher risk of SCD. While further studies are needed to investigate possible effects of trans-18:2 on arrhythmia, it would be prudent to limit dietary intake of trans-18:2.
Lemaitre
Rozenn N
RN
Cardiovascular Health Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA. rozenl@u.washington.edu
King
Irena B
IB
Mozaffarian
Dariush
D
Sotoodehnia
Nona
N
Sootodehnia
Nona
N
Siscovick
David S
DS
D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D019301:Oleic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D012307:Risk Factors; D044242:Trans Fatty Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000378:metabolism*; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid / Q000378:metabolism
D004041:Dietary Fats; D044242:Trans Fatty Acids; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid; D019301:Oleic Acid