Mathematical Model of the Effects of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) on the Duration of the QT Interval

Abstract

Prolonged QT intervals have been associated with heart disease, specifically ventricular arrhythmia. A few studies suggest that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), has the capability of reducing the QT interval by suppressing the activity of fast sodium currents, rapidly activating delayed rectifying outward potassium currents, L-type calcium inward currents, and the slowly activating delayed rectifying outward potassium currents. The validity of this statement was tested by creating a mathematical model that calculated the change in the QT interval as a function of oral EPA administration. The model was assessed in populations of adult males, adult females, adolescent males, and adolescent females. Eight different health conditions were analyzed using the mathematical model, including exercise-induced cardiomegaly, myocardial infarction, dilated cardiomyopathy, thickened epicardial adipose tissue, cardiac amyloidosis, torsades de pointes, and myocardial ischemia. Significant differences were seen among populations when comparing healthy and diseased individuals. However, no significant differences were seen between populations. Simulations for these cases concluded that EPA has the capability of reducing the QT interval in individuals who are either healthy or have heart disease. However, the amount of EPA required to create therapeutic effects in QT interval reduction is dangerous. The effective dose of EPA is only a small fraction different than a toxic dose of EPA. This creates a high probability of toxic effects to arise when treating prolonged QT intervals. Clinical trails should be done in order to further investigate whether the administration of EPA for treating prolonged the QT intervals is beneficial or detrimental for individuals.