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Low Omega-3s in Diet Linked to Higher Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Heart Failure Patients: Presented at AHA

By Carole Bullock

ORLANDO, FL -- November 7, 2007 -- Heart failure patients who were prone to depressive symptoms ate 15% fewer omega-3 fatty acids and those with anxiety consumed 14% fewer omega-3 fatty acids than heart failure patients without symptoms, according to results from the first study to show this link in heart failure patients.

The results were reported here on November 6 at the American Heart Association (AHA) 2007 Scientific Sessions.

"Interventions to increase omega-3 fatty acids may be one way to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression in these patients," said principal investigator Terry A. Lennie, PhD, Associate Professor of Nursing, College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, and Codirector, Research and Interventions for Cardiovascular Health Heart Program, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.

In the study, 134 patients, with an average age of 60 years, were divided into groups based on scores on the Brief Symptom Inventory for anxiety (>=0.35) and depressive symptoms (>=0.28). Thirty-seven patients were women; 60% had a New York Heart Association (NYHA) class 3/4 (ejection fraction 33%).

There were no other differences in clinical characteristics between the groups.

Nutrition Data System software was used to determine dietary omega-3 fatty acid content, which was collected from the participants' 4-day food diaries.

Compared with patients without symptoms, omega-3 fatty acid intake was significantly lower in patients with anxiety (1.59 +-0.82 g vs 1.36 +-0.62) and depressive symptoms (1.63 +-0.82 g vs 1.38 +-0.66).

Earlier research has linked lower levels of omega-3 to depression in the general population, lead investigator H. Payne-Emerson, RD, Doctoral Student, Center for Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, said in an interview. "But we wanted to see if the same relationship exists with heart failure patients who are prone to these symptoms."

The researchers said that omega-3 fatty acids are essential components of central nervous system cell membranes and inhibit proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, which are associated with depressive symptoms.

Payne-Emerson noted that the study is preliminary; results need to be replicated in a larger trial to elucidate whether there is a causal effect.

However, she said physicians may still want to encourage patients to follow the latest dietary recommendations from the American Heart Association, who recommend two servings a week of (preferably oily) fish, which are rich in omega-3s.


[Presentation title: Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake is Lower in Heart Failure Patients With Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms. Abstract 2423]

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