Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, and in the UK, it accounts for about one-sixth of all deaths. With such high stakes, it’s no wonder that people are always on the lookout for ways to protect their hearts. Enter fish oil, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, often touted as a heart-healthy supplement. But is it really the wonder supplement it’s made out to be? Let’s dive into the latest research to find out.

The Good, the Bad, and the Fishy

Fish oil is packed with omega-3 fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These compounds are believed to help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease. In the UK, health authorities even recommend that people at high risk of cardiovascular disease consume at least one portion of oily fish per week. Fish oil supplements have become a popular alternative for those who don’t get enough fish in their diet.

However, the science behind fish oil’s benefits isn’t as clear-cut as you might think. Numerous studies have yielded mixed results, and a comprehensive review by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found that while fish oil supplements might help reduce the risk of ischaemic stroke, they don’t seem to offer benefits for atrial fibrillation, heart attacks, or overall mortality.

The Latest Study: Fish Oil’s Mixed Bag

A recent large-scale study involving over 400,000 UK adults has provided new insights into the role of fish oil supplements in heart health. The study found that the effects of fish oil depend on a person’s health status and the stage of cardiovascular disease they are in. Here are some key takeaways:

  1. Increased Risk of Atrial Fibrillation: For people without known heart disease, taking fish oil supplements was associated with a higher risk (13%) of developing atrial fibrillation (a type of irregular heartbeat). This is a big deal because atrial fibrillation can lead to serious complications like strokes.
  2. Potential Increased Risk of Stroke: For people without known heart disease, taking fish oil supplements was also associated with a higher risk (5%) of having a stroke
  3. No Major Benefit for Heart Attacks: The study didn’t find any significant benefits of fish oil supplements in preventing major adverse cardiovascular events (like heart attacks) or reducing overall death rates in healthy individuals.
  4. Potential Benefits for Heart Disease Patients: For those who already have heart disease, the study found that fish oil supplements might help reduce the risk of further heart-related complications and even death. For example, in people with atrial fibrillation, fish oil seemed to reduce the risk of progressing to a major heart event and even death.

The Takeaway

So, should you be popping fish oil pills or not? Here’s the lowdown:

  • If you’re generally healthy: Be cautious. The potential risk of developing atrial fibrillation might outweigh the uncertain benefits. It might be better to stick to getting your omega-3s from natural sources like fish (i.e salmon, mackerel, anchovies, striped bass, bluefin tuna, sardines, etc)
  • If you have heart disease: Fish oil supplements could potentially offer some benefits, but it’s essential to consult with your doctor. They can help you weigh the pros and cons based on your specific health profile.

The Bottom Line

Fish oil supplements are not a one-size-fits-all solution for heart health. While they might help certain individuals, particularly those with existing heart conditions, they could pose risks for others. As always, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and consulting with healthcare professionals are your best bets for maintaining a healthy heart.

Stay informed, stay healthy, and don’t just fish for easy answers when it comes to your heart!

Chen G, Qian Z(, Zhang J, et al. Regular use of fish oil supplements and course of cardiovascular diseases: prospective cohort study. BMJ Medicine 2024;3:e000451. doi: 10.1136/bmjmed-2022-000451