Evidence supporting the use of: Omega-3
For the health condition: Congestive Heart Failure

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been investigated for their role in supporting patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). The use of omega-3 for heart failure is supported by some scientific evidence, though the strength of the recommendation is moderate rather than definitive.

The most notable clinical evidence comes from the GISSI-HF (Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Sopravvivenza nell’Infarto Miocardico-Heart Failure) trial, a large, randomized, placebo-controlled study published in 2008. This trial enrolled over 6,900 patients with chronic heart failure and found that supplementation with 1g/day of omega-3 fatty acids led to a modest but statistically significant reduction in all-cause mortality and cardiovascular hospitalizations compared to placebo. The absolute risk reduction was small, but the findings have been influential.

Proposed mechanisms for benefit include anti-inflammatory effects, reduction in arrhythmias, improvement in endothelial function, and favorable impacts on cardiac remodeling. Both the American College of Cardiology Foundation and the American Heart Association have issued guidelines suggesting that omega-3 supplementation “may be considered” as an adjunctive therapy in heart failure patients, particularly those with reduced ejection fraction, though the recommendation is not strong due to the modest benefit.

Overall, there is scientific validation for the use of omega-3 fatty acids in CHF, but the evidence base is not robust enough for unequivocal endorsement, and the effect size is considered modest.

More about Omega-3
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