The Alpha Omega Cohort
A cohort of Dutch patients with a history of myocardial infarction
The Alpha Omega Cohort emerged from the Alpha Omega Trial, a 3-year intervention study of omega-3 fatty acids after myocardial infarction.
4837 patients
with history of myocardial infarction
60-80 years of age
most receiving state-of-the-art drugs
From trial to cohort
The Alpha Omega Trial was designed to examine whether major cardiovascular events could be prevented by low doses of omega-3 fatty acids (incorporated in margarines) in 4,837 Dutch patients with a history of myocardial infarction.
Patients were enrolled from 2002-2006 and the trial was completed in 2009. Follow-up of the Alpha Omega Cohort for cause-specific mortality is still ongoing.
Cohort findings
A selection of the main findings within the cohort.
Current smokers have a 72% higher mortality risk than never smokers.
Patients who drink more than 4 cups of coffee a day have a 32% lower risk of mortality from ischemic heart disease than patients who drink 0-2 cups a day.
Accelerated kidney function decline is related to a 4 times higher mortality risk.
Healthy eating is related to a 30% lower mortality risk.
Replacing saturated with unsaturated fatty acids is related to a 63% lower risk of mortality from ischemic heart disease.
A study by Wageningen University & Research
The Alpha Omega Cohort is coordinated by researchers at Wageningen University, The Netherlands. The trial phase was sponsored by the Dutch Heart Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Unilever R&D (margarine development and distribution) and Wageningen University.
Collaboration
We welcome collaborations and data sharing with other researchers. If you are interested, visit our collaboration page and get in touch.