Fish oil lowered cardiovascular event rates in a hemodialysis trial
A randomized trial found fewer serious cardiovascular events with fish oil than corn-oil placebo in adults receiving maintenance hemodialysis.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
In this trial, fish oil reduced the rate of serious cardiovascular events compared with placebo among adults receiving maintenance hemodialysis. The main outcome combined several types of events, rather than measuring a single condition. Reported adverse-event rates and adherence were similar between groups, but that does not establish identical safety.
This abstract-based account applies to a specific dialysis population and trial regimen. The abstract does not provide detailed adverse-event counts, and the findings cannot establish benefits for people outside this setting.
What researchers found
Hazard ratio for serious cardiovascular events
Fish oil versus corn-oil placebo during 3.5 years of follow-up in adults receiving maintenance hemodialysis.
What counted as an event
The primary outcome combined cardiac deaths, heart attacks, strokes, and amputations related to peripheral vascular disease. It counted serious events across these categories; a first cardiovascular event or death was assessed separately.
Events over observation time
Serious cardiovascular events occurred at rates of 0.31 with fish oil versus 0.61 with placebo per 1000 patient-days. Patient-days add together participants' time observed; this measures events over time, not the proportion avoiding a first event.
The original publication
Fish-Oil Supplementation and Cardiovascular Events in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis.
Lok CE, Farkouh M, Hemmelgarn BR et al.
N Engl J Med · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41201837
- Record checked
Linked publication notices
AI-assisted research and writing. This explains one selected publication; it is not a complete review of everything known. Our approach.
One more question, understood.
Keep track of the research you’ve explored.