Omega-3 index and prognosis in acute coronary chest pain patients with a low dietary intake of omega-3. (April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: de la Fuente, Ricardo León; Naesgaard, Patrycja Anna; Nilsen, Stein Tore; Woie, Leik; Aarsland, Torbjørn; Gundersen, Thomas; Nilsen, Dennis W. T.
• Is Part Of: Scandinavian cardiovascular journal. Volume 47:Number 2(2013:Apr.)
• Page Start: 69
• Page End: 79
• Publication Date: 2013-04
• Subjects: Cardiovascular system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 617.41
• DOI: 10.3109/14017431.2012.747220
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1401-7431

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Background</italic>. The omega-3 index (eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid) content in red blood cell membranes has been suggested as a novel risk marker for cardiac death. <italic>Objective</italic>. To assess the ability of the omega-3 index to predict all-cause mortality, cardiac death and sudden cardiac death following hospitalization with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and to include arachidonic acid (AA) in risk assessment. <italic>Material and methods</italic>. The omega-3 index was measured in 572 consecutive patients (median 63 years and 59% males) admitted with chest pain and suspected ACS in an inland Northern Argentinean city with a dietary habit that was essentially based on red meat and a low intake of fish. Clinical endpoints were collected during a 5-year follow-up period, median 3.6 years, range 1 day to 5.5 years. Stepwise Cox regression analysis was employed to compare the rate of new events in the quartiles of the omega-3 index measured at inclusion. Multivariable analysis was performed. <italic>Results</italic>. No statistical significant differences in baseline characteristics were noted between quartiles of the omega-3 index. The median of the adjusted omega-3 index was 3.6%. During the follow-up period, 100 (17.5%) patients died. Event rates were similar in all quartiles of the omega-3 index, with no statistical significant differences. AA added no prognostic information. <italic>Conclusion</italic>. In a population with a low intake of fish and fish oils, the adjusted omega-3 index did not predict fatal events following hospitalization in patients with acute chest pain and suspected ACS.</p> </abstract>