Are omega-3 fatty acids good for the heart?

Jury still out: Fish oils are touted for many health benefits, but evidence based validation of true benefit is still needed. Clinically there is some value in patients after angioplasty and in lowering very elevated triglycerides, though the clinical benefit there is still to be determined. We just started an outcome trial using pharmaceutical grade fish oils to truly determine cardiac benefit, or not.

Reduce Sudden Death: While ongoing trials are needed to define the scope of possible benefit, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to significantly reduce sudden cardiac death. This benefit occurs due to decreased arrhythmias in the setting of increased omega-3 intake.