Reduce Heart Failure Death Risk With Omega-3 Fats
Death is the inevitable outcome of heart failure. A person is said to suffer from heart failure when the heart fails to pump adequate blood throughout the body to sustain the normal functions of the organs.
Peripheral edema, characterized by swollen legs and ankles, is a prominent symptom of heart failure. Fluid retention in the feet and lower legs is usually a sign of right sided heart failure.
Pulmonary edema or fluid retention in the lungs occurs when the left side of the heart fails to perform its normal pumping function. Shortness of breath, angina, fatigue, loss of appetite and sudden unexplained weight gain are other symptoms of heart failure.
Omega-3 fats prevent heart failure death
In heart failure patients, excessive fluid retention and shortness of breath are common causes of hospitalization. According to a recent study, omega-3 fatty acid supplements might prevent heart failure deaths.
Researchers have found enough evidence in the recent past to support the beneficial role of these healthy fats. The latest study presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Stockholm has showed that omega-3 fats are not only capable of preventing coronary heart diseases but they are also capable of increasing the life expectancy of heart failure patients.
Researchers have observed that regular consumption of omega-3 fatty acids could cause an eight per cent reduction in hospitalization of heart failure patients.
To derive the maximum benefits of omega-3 fats, dietary supplements containing these healthy fats, such as fish oil pills, should be taken at least for two years. Purified fish oil supplements could cause nine per cent reduction in death from heart failure.
Sources of omega-3 fatty acids
Fish oil is the best source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats are also found in flaxseed, walnut and whole grains. These healthy fats occur in fish oil in the form of EPA and DHA, whereas in plants they occur as ALA. EPA, DHA and ALA are not equally beneficial for the health.
The human body could easily absorb omega-3 fats in the form of EPA and DHA. However, it can absorb ALA only when it is converted into EPA and DHA. To enhance the quality of life of heart failure patients, fatty fish and fish oil supplements should be included in their daily diet.
