Middle-aged men who eat too many of the fats found in margarine and somecooking oils may face a higher risk of sudden death.A diet high in polyunsaturated fats can lead to an abnormal heartbeat,which can result in sudden cardiac death, doctors warn.Their conclusions are based on a study which links instances of suddendeath to a build-up of 'Free' fatty acids in the bloodstream. Omega-6fatty acids are thought to be most to blame.These are found in margarine, foods fried in polyunsaturated vegetableoils such as sunflower and corn oil, and some processed foods.Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish, tofu and rape seed oil, are morebeneficial.The researchers, based at Hospital Europeen Georges Pompidou in Paris,recorded the levels of free fatty acids in 5,250 men between 42 and 53,who were followed for an average of 22 years. Very high levels of theseacids indicated a greater than 30 per cent risk of sudden cardiac death.This is different from a heart attack, which is usually caused by severelyclogged arteries or a blood clot.Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart starts beating in a chaoticrhythm that makes it unable to pump blood to the rest of the body.Death comes within minutes.Increasing omega-3 fatty acids in the diet and cutting back on omega-6 canreduce the risk of sudden death, the experts concluded.The study is published in the journal Circulation.Nutritionist Lyndel Costain said it was important to maintain the correctbalance of omega-6 and omega-3.'Polyunsaturated fats are good and we need some in our diet to stayhealthy,' she said.'But we've now gone too far the other way, and polyunsaturated fats are ina large number of processed foods.'

08/14/01Daily Mail /Financial Times Limited