Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring parameters in patients with mild essential hypertension.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of low doses of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring parameters in a group of mild essential hypertensives.


METHODS
We studied 24 consecutive essential hypertensive patients from our outpatient clinic with mild hypertension (diastolic blood pressure < or = 105 mmHg), no previous treatment for 4 weeks at least and no other disease.


METHODS
After a 3-month run-in period, the patients entered an intervention phase and were given 3 g omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (85% eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid concentrate) daily for 4 months; this phase was followed by a 4-month washout period. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed at the end of each phase; erythrocyte membrane fatty acids were assessed to check compliance.


RESULTS
After 4 months of treatment, erythrocyte omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids significantly increased but average systolic and diastolic blood pressure and the heart rate did not significantly change; no significant variations were recorded in blood pressure or heart rate variability (assessed as blood pressure and heart rate SD) nor in the diurnal blood pressure rhythm. After washout, a significant decrease was observed in erythrocyte omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids but the ambulatory blood pressure monitoring parameters were not substantially modified.


CONCLUSIONS
The present data show that low doses of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids as a single treatment are not effective in lowering blood pressure or the heart rate in mild essential hypertensive patients, despite a significant change in fatty acid cell membrane composition. Nor does this treatment seem likely to affect blood pressure variability or the diurnal rhythm.
Russo
C
C
Institute of Medical Pathology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Italy.
Olivieri
O
O
Girelli
D
D
Azzini
M
M
Stanzial
A M
AM
Guarini
P
P
Friso
S
S
De Franceschi
L
L
Corrocher
R
R
D001794:Blood Pressure; D018660:Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory; D004032:Diet; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3