Robust evidence demonstrates that consuming omega-3 fatty acids is beneficial for heart and whole body health. Higher levels of the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the blood are associated with reduced risk of sudden cardiac death. A new report demonstrates an association between blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids and heart rate recovery, a strong predictor of sudden cardiac death.

Heart rate recovery is defined as the decrease in heart rate at one minute after the cessation of intense exercise. Previous research has reported that an abnormal heart rate recovery (less than 12 beats per minute decrease 60 seconds after exercise) is associated with an increased risk of death from all causes even after controlling for other markers of fitness.

The authors collected data from nearly 14,000 participants between the ages of 20 and 80 years. Before an exercise test, they They measured the ratio of omega-3 fats to other fats in participants’ red blood cells and categorized the concentration as low (less than 4 percent), normal (4 to 8 percent), or optimal (greater than 8 percent). Then, they asked participants to run on a treadmill at increasing incline until they reached exhaustion and measured the change in heart rate at one, three, and five minutes post exercise.

Participants in the normal and optimal omega-3 ranges had higher heart rate recovery at one minute and three minutes post exercise. This association was more pronounced in women. The authors also reported a positive association between omega-3 status and age, leanness, and healthy blood lipid levels.

This study is cross-sectional in design, meaning that a cause and effect relationship cannot be established. The authors plan to expand their research in the future to include measures of mortality for this group of participants.

• Link to full report.