Leaders in Pharmaceutical Business Intelligence (LPBI) Group

Importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Reducing Cardiovascular Disease

Reporter and Curator: Dr. Sudipta Saha, Ph.D.

UPDATED on 7/24/2018

Omega-3 fats Supplements Effect on Cardiovascular Health: EPA and DHA has little or no effect on Mortality or Cardiovascular Health

Reporter: Aviva Lev-Ari, PhD, RN

https://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2018/07/24/omega-3-fats-supplements-effect-on-cardiovascular-health-epa-and-dha-has-little-or-no-effect-on-mortality-or-cardiovascular-health/

The available evidence for cardiovascular effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) consumption has been reviewed here, focusing on long chain (seafood) n-3 PUFA, including their principal dietary sources, effects on physiological risk factors, potential molecular pathways and bioactive metabolites, effects on specific clinical endpoints, and existing dietary guidelines. Major dietary sources include fatty fish and other seafood. n-3 PUFA consumption lowers plasma triglycerides, resting heart rate, and blood pressure and might also improve myocardial filling and efficiency, lower inflammation, and improve vascular function. Experimental studies demonstrate direct anti-arrhythmic effects, which have been challenging to document in humans. n-3 PUFA affect a myriad of molecular pathways, including alteration of physical and chemical properties of cellular membranes, direct interaction with and modulation of membrane channels and proteins, regulation of gene expression via nuclear receptors and transcription factors, changes in eicosanoid profiles, and conversion of n-3 PUFA to bioactive metabolites. In prospective observational studies and adequately powered randomized clinical trials, benefits of n-3 PUFA seem most consistent for coronary heart disease mortality and sudden cardiac death. Potential effects on other cardiovascular outcomes are less-well-established, including conflicting evidence from observational studies and/or randomized trials for effects on nonfatal myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, atrial fibrillation, recurrent ventricular arrhythmias, and heart failure. Research gaps include the relative importance of different physiological and molecular mechanisms, precise dose-responses of physiological and clinical effects, whether fish oil provides all the benefits of fish consumption, and clinical effects of plant-derived n-3 PUFA. Overall, current data provide strong concordant evidence that n-3 PUFA are bioactive compounds that reduce risk of cardiac death. National and international guidelines have converged on consistent recommendations for the general population to consume at least 250 mg/day of long-chain n-3 PUFA or at least 2 servings / week of oily fish.

Source References:

http://content.onlinejacc.org/article.aspx?articleid=1146941

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17047219

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18614744

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19364995

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16172267

Other articles related to this topic were published on this Open Access Online Scientific Journal, including the following:

Reversal of Cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction

Larry H Bernstein, MD, FACP, RN 04/14/2013

http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2013/04/14/reversal-of-cardiac-mitochondrial-dysfunction/

Can resolvins suppress acute lung injury?

Larry H Bernstein, MD, FACB, RN 03/06/2013

http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2013/03/06/can-resolvins-suppress-acute-lung-injury/

Calcium (Ca) supplementation (>1400 mg/day): Higher Death Rates from all Causes and Cardiovascular Disease in Women

Aviva Lev-Ari, PhD., RN 02/19/2013

http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2013/02/19/calcium-ca-supplementation-1400-mgday-higher-death-rates-from-all-causes-and-cardiovascular-disease-in-women/

Endothelial Function and Cardiovascular Disease

Larry H Bernstein, MD, FCAP, Pathologist, Contributor, RN 10/25/2012

http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2012/10/25/endothelial-function-and-cardiovascular-disease/

Mediterranean Diet is BEST for patients with established Heart Disorders

Aviva Lev-Ari, PhD, RN 10/15/2012

http://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2012/10/15/mediterranean-diet-is-best-for-patients-with-established-heart-disorders/