He was thought to be healthy: Cause of sudden heart attack
Omega-6 fats, previously thought to support heart health, are known to be high in vegetable and seed oils. But the researchers found that omega-3 fats, generally considered healthy, also increased GlycA levels. Professor Thomas Holland, of the RUSH Institute for Healthy Aging in Chicago, told Medical News Today that the results were “unexpected.” “Most people think of omega-3s as calming the immune system,” he said. “But in this study, higher omega-3 levels were associated with more inflammation.”
Professor Crick said the results called into question the simplistic view that omega-3s are anti-inflammatory and omega-6s are pro-inflammatory. “Simply increasing omega-3 intake may not be enough to reduce inflammation or protect against heart disease. The focus needs to be on the balance between these fats for better health outcomes,” he said. The study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, highlights the need for further research to better understand the effects of fatty acids on long-term health.
On the other hand, seed oils such as sunflower, soy and rapeseed are also drawing attention in the research. It is stated that these oils, which have long been presented as a beneficial alternative for heart health, may be associated with obesity, heart disease, diabetes and autoimmune diseases.
Professor Holland said: “Around 6.3 million people in the UK live with high cholesterol. If left untreated, this can significantly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. We should not ignore the possibility that seed oils could be part of this picture.”
According to data from the UK National Health Service (NHS), although deaths from heart disease in individuals under the age of 75 have decreased since the 1960s, the increase in risk factors such as obesity and hypertension indicates a resurgence in heart attack and stroke rates. Experts point out that the increasing cases of heart disease, especially in young individuals, require a review of not only lifestyle but also some stereotypical beliefs in nutritional habits.
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