Antiarrhythmogenic effect of omega-3 fatty acid ethyl esters in a patient treated with Omacor after a non-Q-wave myocardial infarction

An 84-year-old man reported several episodes of palpitations over the previous 6 months. He had a history of a prior non-Q-wave myocardial infarction (MI) and had received a dual-chamber pacemaker for control of subsequent sick sinus syndrome. Pacemaker data revealed 8000 premature ventricular beats (PVBs) daily and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT).The patient agreed to add omega-3 fatty acid ethyl ester supplementation (1 g/day) to his treatment regimen. Pacemaker analyses 3 months later demonstrated no NSVT and only 215 PVBs daily. In more than 1 year of follow-up, the patient has remained well and has had no further ventricular arrhythmias. We conclude that omega-3 fatty acid ethyl ester supplementation may be beneficial in post-MI patients with pacemakers who develop ventricular arrhythmias.