Epidemiological, experimental studies and post hoc analyses of randomized trials suggested that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and statins could be beneficial in chronic heart failure.

Two double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials investigated the efficacy and safety of n-3 PUFA 1 g daily (R1) and rosuvastatin 10 mg daily (R2) in patients with heart failure. In total, 6975 and 4574 patients were randomized in R1 and R2, respectively; the main reason for excluding patients from R2 being the open-label administration of statin treatment. Primary end points were death, and death or admission to hospital for cardiovascular reasons.

n-3 PUFA, but not rosuvastatin, significantly decreased the two coprimary end points: 56 and 44 patients needed to be treated with n-3 PUFA for a median duration of 3.9 years to avoid one death or one cumulative event.

Both drugs were safe and were tolerated. A simple and safe treatment with n-3 PUFA provides a beneficial advantage in patients with heart failure in a context of usual care.

Keywords: heart failure, cardiovascular disease