Autonomic nervous system, heart rate variability and n-3 fatty acids.
Animal and in-vitro studies have shown profound antiarrhythmic effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on the heart. Because n-3 PUFAs (in particular docosahexaenoic acid) are abundant in nervous tissue, this antiarrhythmic effect may be mediated by effects of n-3 PUFAs on autonomic control or tone. This paper reviews the effect of n-3 PUFAs on heart rate variability, a noninvasive indicator of cardiac autonomic function. In most, although not all, studies, dietary n-3 PUFA levels and n-3 PUFA supplementation are related to improved heart rate variability. Although further research is required to confirm these relationships, the results support a beneficial effect of n-3 PUFAs on autonomic tone in humans, specifically an increase in vagal tone, which may reduce the risk of arrhythmias. The modulation of heart rate variability by n-3 PUFAs may partly explain the reduction in sudden cardiac death observed in subjects with a regular intake of n-3 PUFAs.
Christensen
Jeppe Hagstrup
JH
Department of Nephrology, Aalborg Hospital, Aarhus University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark. jhc@dadlnet.dk
Schmidt
Erik Berg
EB
D000818:Animals; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000517:prevention & control; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000378:metabolism; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000378:metabolism; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000517:prevention & control
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3