Broiled Or Baked Fish Lowers Risk Of Irregular Heart Rhythm
July 19, 2004



Eating fish can lower the risk of the most common heart rhythm disorder, however, researchers report broiled or baked fish, not fried or in the form of a sandwich is best.

Among the elderly, atrial fibrillation (AF), an irregular heartbeat is the most common sustained heart rhythm disorder which increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. AF causes disability through fatigue and shortness of breath. A new study published in the journal Circulation suggests eating broiled or baked fish can reduce the risk of developing this condition.

"The results suggest that regular intake of tuna or other broiled or baked fish may be a simple and important deterrent to AF among older men and women," said Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, lead study author.

Atrial fibrillation is the quivering of the top right chamber of the heart. It is characterized by a rapid and irregular beat. If the heart rate is rapid and irregular, a healthcare provider should be seen quickly.

Researchers analyzed data from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute-funded Cardiovascular Health Study on 4,815 people over age 65 whose usual dietary intake was assessed in 1989–90. During 12 years of follow-up, doctors diagnosed 980 cases of AF.

An analysis of the data found increased consumption of fish, broiled or baked, was associated with lower incidence of AF. People who consumed fish one to four times per week lowered the risk of AF by 28 percent, while people who consumed five or more servings had a 31 percent lower risk compared to those who ate fish less than once a month.

Fried fish and fish sandwiches was not associated with a lower risk, report the researchers.

The researchers found people who consumed tuna or other broiled and baked fish had increased biomarkers of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood. These increased levels of omega-3 fatty acids were not found in people who ate fried fish.

"Among elderly adults, consumption of tuna or other broiled or baked fish, but not fried fish or fish sandwiches, is associated with lower incidence of AF. Fish intake may influence risk of this common cardiac arrhythmia", the authors concluded.

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