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Omega-3s Improve Outcomes in Heart Failure Patients, Rosuvastatin Does Not
Heart failure patients benefit from omega-3 fatty acids — but not from rosuvastatin — industry-funded researchers report online in Lancet.
Some 7000 adults with heart failure were randomized to receive omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (1 g) or placebo daily; roughly 4500 were also assigned to rosuvastatin or placebo. Most were already using recommended therapies (e.g., ACE inhibitors).
During about 4 years' follow-up, omega-3 treatment led to small but significant reductions in the two primary outcomes — all-cause mortality (incidence: 27% with omega-3s vs. 29% with placebo) and the composite of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular admission (57% vs. 59%).
Rosuvastatin, however, did not affect patient outcomes.
Noting that most deaths were due to worsening heart failure or arrhythmia, the authors write: "The incorporation of [omega-3s] into the membranes of target cells and tissues is likely to produce a reduction in electrical excitability, decreasing the probability of fatal and non-fatal arrhythmic events."
LINK(S):
Lancet report on omega-3 outcomes (Free abstract; full text requires subscription)
Lancet report on rosuvastatin outcomes (Free abstract; full text requires subscription)
Lancet comment (Subscription required)
Published in Physician's First Watch September 3, 2008
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