Fish Oil & Heart Rhythm

Fish Oil & Heart Rhythm
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Eating fish with omega-3 fatty acids helps your heart function optimally. This fatty acid works to regulate the heart rhythm, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Your body cannot create omega-3 fatty acids; they must be obtained through eating fish such as tuna, salmon, halibut, herring sardines, lake trout or albacore tuna. Talk to your doctor about adding fish to your diet to maintain a healthy heart rhythm.

Reduces Inflammation

Fish oil helps to reduce inflammation in the body, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Preventing inflammation helps arteries stay clear to enable strong blood flow to the heart and maintain a normal heart rhythm. Fish oil also works to boost the function of cells in the arteries, which keeps the heart functioning at its best.

Prevents Heart Rhythm Disorders

Fish oil consists of fatty acids called eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. These fatty acids help prevent a heart rhythm disorder or heart attack, notes the Colorado State University Extension. The typical diet in United States does not include enough fish to promote strong heart health. Eating fish with omega-3 fatty acids once to twice a week helps ensure that your body has an adequate supply of the heart healthy fatty acids.

Enhances Blood Flow

When you eat fish regularly, the fish oil helps to keep cholesterol levels from increasing, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. This boosts heart health. Eating fish helps you avoid heart rhythm problems due to limited blood flow that happens when arteries are clogged with cholesterol buildup.

Lowers Risk of Death

The US Food and Drug Administration advises eating oily fish at some meals in place of red meat or chicken to help prevent heart disease. Approximately 80 million adults in America have heart disease, including heart rhythm disorders. Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in women and men in America. Modifying your diet to include fish as a main course or in salads promotes a normal, strong heart rhythm.

References

Article reviewed by Tina Boyle Last updated on: May 2, 2011

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