We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess how eicosapentaenoic acid, found in fish oil, might impact chest pain in patients experiencing suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Over one year, we compared outcomes among groups taking fish oil, mustard oil, and a placebo, all starting treatment roughly 18 hours after symptoms appeared.
Our findings highlighted that both fish oil and mustard oil groups experienced fewer overall cardiac events compared to the placebo group. However, while we did observe reductions in nonfatal infarctions and total cardiac deaths within the fish oil group, there was no similar reduction in chest pain or direct measures of angina specifically linked to these treatments.
Interestingly, the study indicated that levels of cardiac arrhythmias and left ventricular enlargement were also reduced in those taking fish oil and mustard oil compared to those on a placebo. While we saw some improvements in overall cardiac health, the direct effects on chest pain from taking eicosapentaenoic acid were not conclusively established in this trial.
Ultimately, although fish oil shows promise in improving various heart-related outcomes, the specific impact on chest pain wasn't distinctly proven through our study results. Further extensive research will be essential to draw firmer conclusions.