Manchester researchers find that fish oils can help to protect the heart

Researchers in Manchester believe there is strong evidence to suggest that the fatty acids contained in oily fish can help people survive serious heart attacks and heart failure.

It follows a review of more than 100 existing studies from across the world by researchers at the University of Manchester and UHSM (University Hospital of South Manchester).

They looked at the benefits of fish oil supplements for people with heart problems and concluded that high concentrations of purified fish oils will reduce the risk of serious heart rhythm disturbances in patients with heart attacks and heart failure

Dr Palaniappan Saravanan, of the MAHSC Cardiovascular Research Group at the University of Manchester explains: “Such supplements are becoming increasingly popular with several health benefits attributed to them. Although much research has been focused on this area of work over the last 30 years there is still lack of clarity on several issues such as the dose needed and the type of supplementation”

Dr Neil Davidson, consultant cardiologist at UHSM’s Wythenshawe Hospital adds: “While we believe that oily fish such as tuna, sardines or salmon provided the best way to increase omega 3 levels, we found strong evidence to suggest that in order for there to be cardiovascular benefit for people, diet alone is probably not enough.

Professor Chris Griffiths, Director of MAHSC believes work like this pushes the boundaries of research and provides further evidence of the importance of the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre in coordinating and promoting the health and healthcare research strengths of Manchester's NHS Trusts and the University of Manchester.

* published online in The Lancet, DOI 10.1016

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For more information contact Susan Osborne, UHSM’s Director of Communications on 0161 291 4972 or email susan.osborne@uhsm.nhs.uk