The effect of n-3 fatty acids on heart rate variability in patients treated with chronic hemodialysis.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to address the effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on heart rate variability (HRV) in patients treated with chronic hemodialysis.


METHODS
We performed a randomized, placebo-controlled intervention trial.


METHODS
The study took place at two hospital-based dialysis centers.


METHODS
Thirty patients with documented cardiovascular disease who were treated with hemodialysis for at least 6 months were included.


METHODS
Treatment consisted of 1.7 g of n-3 PUFA or a control treatment (olive oil).


METHODS
The outcome measure was 24-hour Holter recordings with time domain HRV measurements at baseline and after 3 months of treatment. Blood samples were obtained to assess the content of n-3 PUFA in serum phospholipids before and after treatment.


RESULTS
n-3 PUFA did not significantly affect time domain parameters of HRV, compared with a control group.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that treatment with n-3 PUFA does not increase HRV in patients treated with chronic hemodialysis, a result that may have been compromised by a small sample size.
Svensson
My
M
Department of Nephrology, Aalborg Hospital, Aarhus University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark. My_Svensson@hotmail.com <My_Svensson@hotmail.com>
Schmidt
Erik B
EB
Jørgensen
Kaj A
KA
Christensen
Jeppe H
JH
D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015716:Electrocardiography, Ambulatory; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000097:blood; D006435:Renal Dialysis
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D010743:Phospholipids