Effect of omega-3 on brain natriuretic peptide and echocardiographic findings in heart failure: Double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial

Abstract

Background: Possible beneficial effects of dietary omega-3 supplementation on patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) were investigated. Methods and results: 100 patients with CHF who had a tri-chamber pacemaker and automated defibrillator were initially recruited, and 70 agreed to participate.38 patients received 2 g/day of omega-3 and 32 received placebo capsules. BNP level, 6-min walk test and echocardiographic parameters were recorded at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. BNP levels decreased significantly after 6 months in the omega-3 group, from 1766.2 1978.1 pg/mL to 1159.4 1430.9 pg/dL (P < 0.005). Tei index and late diastolic velocity index were significantly improved in treated group. Mortality and hospitalization rates did not differ. Conclusion: The beneficial effects of omega-3 supplementation in patients with CHF were not as clear as hypothesized; however, omega-3 fatty acids can result in small changes in plasma BNP levels and modest improvements in echocardiographically assessed diastolic function (Clinical trial.gov registration: NCT01227837).