High DHA Levels May Offer Protection Following A Heart Attack

People who survive a heart attack have an increased risk of secondary cardiovascular events. According to a recent study, people with high serum levels of DHA at the time of a heart attack may have a decreased risk of secondary cardiovascular events.

For their study, the researchers used data from 944 people who were admitted to the hospital due to a heart attack. Serum EPA levels were measured at the time of heart attack. Participants were followed for an average of 3 years and all secondary cardiovascular events were recorded.

Participants with the highest serum levels of DHA were found to have a decreased risk of subsequent major adverse cardiac events compared to those with the lowest levels. They also had a decreased risk of readmission to the hospital for cardiovascular events.

The study was conducted by researchers from the Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute. It was published on October 27, 2020 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.