Heart rate variability & n-3 fatty acid status: haemodialysis patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Heart rate variability and omega-3 fatty acid status in haemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional pilot study
IRAS ID
138361
Contact name
Wendy L. Hall
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Research summary
Omega-3 fatty acids (constituents of dietary fat) are found mainly in oily fish and regular consumption is likely to be heart protective. Studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids in the diet influence the extent to which the time interval between each heart beat varies (heart rate variability; HRV). HRV is considered an indirect measure of the autonomic regulation of the heart, this is, it reflects the internal regulation of the heart rhythm. Previous research has shown that chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients have lower omega-3 fatty acids levels in blood compared to populations without CKD. CKD occurs when abnormalities of kidney structure or function occur for longer than 3 months and are linked to health problems. CKD patients have a high mortality (up to a 20% annual risk), of which 20-30% of deaths are due to sudden cardiac death (SCD). When patients start haemodialysis (treatment used to replicate the kidney’s functions by filtering the blood to eliminate harmful waste, extra salt, and water) the risk of SCD doubles. Measuring HRV is a useful approach to assessing risk of SCD in healthy and patient populations. Low HRV indicates reduced ability for internal adjustment of heart rate, and is a powerful predictor of SCD. Increased dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids may increase HRV in CKD patients. Measurements of HRV will be made using Actiheart monitors for 24 hours recordings. These are small, lightweight, easy to wear and have been shown to be technically reliable. This pilot study will characterise tissue omega-3 fatty acids content as a marker of dietary intake in patients recently commencing haemodialysis and observe the relationship with HRV.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/0186
Date of REC Opinion
14 Mar 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion