Fig. 6.

Effect of n-3 PUFAs on the change in heart rate and heart rate variability following the termination of submaximal exercise. As there were no significant differences noted between the various n-3 PUFA doses, these data have been combined. Heart rate more rapidly declined following the termination of exercise after the n-3 PUFA but not in the placebo-treated dogs. In contrast to what was noted during exercise onset, the absolute changes in heart rate following the termination of exercise were greater after dietary n-3 PUFA treatment (i.e., significant pre-post treatment × exercise recovery interaction). However, the more rapid decline in heart rate was not accompanied by an upward shift in the high frequency component of the R-R interval variability (vagal tone index: 0.24–1.04 Hz; i.e., no significant pre-post treatment × exercise recovery interaction). Placebo (n = 16) and n-3 PUFA (1–4 g/day, n = 35) are shown. Pre, before treatment began; post, after 3 mo of treatment. *Posttreatment vs. the corresponding pretreatment time interval.