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4-6 FISH CONSUMPTION AND THE 30-YEAR RISK OF
FATAL MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
This study showed a significant, graded, independent
inverse association between fish consumption and the
30-year risk of fatal MI, particularly non-sudden death
from MI. The association persisted after analysis for
confounding factors. NEJM April 10, 1997; 336: 1046-53 Long-term Benefit
4-6 FISH CONSUMPTION AND THE 30-YEAR RISK OF
FATAL MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
The idea that fish consumption reduces the risk of
coronary heart disease (CHD) is supported by prospective
epidemiologic studies, case-control-studies and a
secondary prevention trial. However, results of other
studies are apparently inconsistent with these findings.
This investigation used data from the Chicago Western
Electric Study to assess the association between fish
consumption and long-term risk of death from CHD.
Conclusion: There was an inverse relationship between
fish consumption and death from CHD.
STUDY
- Entered over 1800 men
40-55 years old, free of cardiovascular disease
at baseline.
- Determined fish
consumption from two detailed dietary histories
done one year apart (average of 0; 1-17g; 18-34g;
over 35g per day ).
- Data on almost all
men was available after the 30 years.
- A high percentage of
these subjects were at high risk for CHD—
overweight, elevated BP, elevated cholesterol,
high fat intake, smokers.
RESULT
- For men who consumed
an average of 35 grams or more of fish daily, as
compared with those who consumed none, the
relative risks (RR) of death from CHD was 0.6;
from sudden and non-sudden MI— 0.4.
- The findings were
accounted for mainly by the relation of fish
consumption to non-sudden death (after 3 hours of
onset) from MI. (RR = 0.3)
DISCUSSION
- "We found a
significant, independent, inverse graded
associations between base-line fish consumption
and the 30-year risk of death from coronary heart
disease, particularly non-sudden death from
myocardial infarction."
- Data from some of the
epidemiologic studies indicate that the ingestion
of small amounts of fish, including lean
(non-fatty) fish, provides significant
protection.
CONCLUSION
This study showed a significant, graded, independent
inverse association between fish consumption and the
30-year risk of fatal MI, particularly non-sudden death
from MI. The association persisted after analysis for
confounding factors.
NEJM April 10, 1997; 336: 1046-53 Original
investigation, first author from North Western Univ.
School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.
Comment:
The idea that fish consumption is protective has been
around for decades .
Previous investigations suggested that the n-3 long-chain
polyunsaturated fatty acid of fatty fish content was the
reason for the benefit through an effect on lipids and
thrombogenic factors. These investigators suggest that
there may be another, as yet undetermined, benefit from
lean fish. RTJ
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