Fatty fish lowers risk of heart muscle dysfunction

December 22, 2009 in Heart Health, Nutrition Topics in the News, Weight Management

Fatty fish lowers risk of heart muscle dysfunction

Need another reason to stock up on fatty fish?

Recent study findings from researches at the University of Athens have found that moderate fish consumption may reduce the risk of developing a dysfunction in the heart muscle by over 50 percent.

Researchers recruited over 900 people with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), a condition that occurs when the heart does not get enough blood, and tracked their condition, as well as their eating habits for three years.  They found that people who ate fish one or two times per week were 53 percent less likely to develop left ventricular systolic dysfunction, a type of heart failure, compared to people who rarely ate fish.

What’s more, researchers also found that moderate fish consumption was associated with a lower inhibition of an enzyme that produces nitric oxide – a potent compound that helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. 

The study findings, published in the Journal of Food Science, add another reason to the long list of health benefits of eating fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including reduced risk of certain cancers, joint health and improved behaviour and mood.

All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.