Evidence for the cardioprotective effects of omega-3 Fatty acids.
OBJECTIVE
To review available literature regarding the cardiovascular effects of marine-derived Omega-3 fatty acids and evaluate the benefit of these fatty acids in the prevention of coronary heart disease.


METHODS
Biomedical literature accessed through a MEDLINE search (1966-April 2002). Search terms included fish oil, omega-3 fatty acid, sudden death, hypertriglyceridemia, myocardial infarction, and mortality.


RESULTS
Following an early 1970's observational investigation that Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the occurrence of myocardial infarction-related deaths in Greenland Eskimos, additional trials have been conducted that support this finding. Epidemiologic and clinical trial data suggest that Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of cardiovascular-related death by 29-52%. In addition, the risk of sudden cardiac death was found to be reduced by 45-81%. Possible mechanisms for these beneficial effects include antiarrhythmic properties, improved endothelial function, antiinflammatory action, and reductions in serum triglyceride concentrations. Omega-3 Fatty acids are fairly well tolerated; potential adverse effects include bloating and gastrointestinal distress, "fishy taste" in the mouth, hyperglycemia, increased risk of bleeding, and a slight increase in low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol.


CONCLUSIONS
Omega-3 Fatty acids may be beneficial and should be considered in patients with documented coronary heart disease. They may be particularly beneficial for patients with risk factors for sudden cardiac death.
Carroll
Douglas N
DN
Department of Administrative and Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma, Tulsa 74135, USA. doug-carroll@ouhsc.edu
Roth
Mary T
MT
D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors
D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3