What are the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids?

Evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids have anti-clotting effects, are protective against heart disease, and reduce heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias (i.e., abnormal heart rhythms), and the risk of sudden cardiac death. In addition, there is evidence that they exert anti-inflammatory effects through, for example, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-a, interleukin 1B, and interleukin-6 . Since inflammation appears to promote chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, then omega-3 fatty acids may play a protective role through their anti-inflammatory properties.