Written based on 15 research studies on PubMed, searched on 2026. nov. 13..
The claim
Posts online say that omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) helps with ventricular tachycardia.
Where research stands
We found 21 published papers on omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) and ventricular tachycardia. They were published between 2004 and 2024. 4 of them are studies in people. 4 of them compared people who got it with a group that did not. 1 was a study in animals, and none was only in cells in the lab. 7 papers are reviews that sum up other studies.
- 4In people4 with a comparison group
- 1In animals
- 0Only in the lab
What the studies found
We have not summed up these studies in words yet. The most important papers are listed under Sources.
Verdict
Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) has been tested in randomised trials in people with ventricular tachycardia.
What this means for you: A study in people is not proof that it helps you. Do not stop or change your medicines because of it. Ask your doctor before you start taking it.
Sources
- Effect of supplemented intake of omega-3 fatty acids on arrhythmias in patients with ICD: fish oil therapy may reduce ventricular arrhythmia.2017 · J Interv Card Electrophysiol · Randomised trial
- [Antiarrhythmic activity of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in patients with stable ischemic heart disease and ventricular rhythm disturbances].2010 · Kardiologiia · Randomised trial
- Effect of fish oil on ventricular tachyarrhythmia and death in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators: the Study on Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Ventricular Arrhythmia (SOFA) randomized trial.2006 · JAMA · Randomised trial
- Fish oil supplementation and risk of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation in patients with implantable defibrillators: a randomized controlled trial.2005 · JAMA · Randomised trial
- Assessing the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on ventricular tachyarrhythmia and survival in patients with ICDs: A systematic review and meta-analysis.2024 · Int J Cardiol Heart Vasc · Review
- Do omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce risk of sudden cardiac death and ventricular arrhythmias? A meta-analysis of randomized trials.2013 · Heart Lung · Review
- Omega-3 in antiarrhythmic therapy : cons position.2012 · High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev · Review
- Effect of fish oil on ventricular tachyarrhythmia in three studies in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators.2009 · Eur Heart J · Review
- Fish-oil supplementation in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators: a meta-analysis.2008 · CMAJ · Review
- Membrane effects of the n-3 fish oil fatty acids, which prevent fatal ventricular arrhythmias.2005 · J Membr Biol · Review
- Effect of icosapent ethyl on susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias in postinfarcted rat hearts: Role of GPR120-mediated connexin43 phosphorylation.2020 · J Cell Mol Med · In animals
- Relationship Between Serum Eicosapentaenoic Acid Levels and J-Waves in a General Population in Japan.2018 · Int Heart J · Other paper
- A lower eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio is associated with in-hospital fatal arrhythmic events in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a J-MINUET substudy.2018 · Heart Vessels · Other paper
- Low serum eicosapentaenoic acid level is a risk for ventricular arrhythmia in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a possible link to J-waves.2014 · Heart Vessels · Other paper
- Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for patients at risk of sudden cardiac death and ventricular arrhythmias: trial sequential analysis.2013 · Heart Lung · Other paper
