Eating Fish May Prevent Irregular Heartbeats
 (HealthDayNews, 7/19/04)

Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, of Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, and team, reviewed dietary and health data on 4,815 older participants in the Cardiovascular Health Study, which was funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. During the 12 year study, the researchers identified 980 cases of atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and they determined that, compared with subjects who ate fish once a month or less, those eating tuna (fresh or canned) or broiled or baked fish two or more times per week had a significantly lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation; however eating fish sandwiches or fried fish did not confer the same benefit. The scientists believe that the protective effect of fish may come from the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil.

(Circulation, online issue, 7/20/04).