title: Omega-3 fatty acids: their role in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis related risk factors and complications.
abstract: Fatty acids are an important source of energy which can have an influence on serum lipids. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, both polyunsaturated fatty acids, have been advocated as replacement for saturated fat. Omega-3 fatty acids, derived from fish and certain green plants, lower serum triglycerides, but they have also been shown to have a direct effect on myocardial contractility, blood pressure, platelet function, coagulation factors, cell-mediated immunity and markers of inflammation. Recently available clinical trial data, including those using the concentrated omega-3 fatty acid preparation Omacor, indicate that omega-3 fatty acids are valuable in preventing sudden death following myocardial infarction. Studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids are just as effective as, or have a benefit superior to, statins in secondary prevention. Omacor is also useful in the treatment of hypertriglyceridaemia, both as monotherapy and in combination with statins.
authors.affiliation: University of Manchester, Department of Medicine, Manchester Royal Infirmary, UK.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bhatnagar
authors.forename: P N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Durrington
mesh_terms: D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000517:prevention & control; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D006487:Hemostasis / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015228:Hypertriglyceridemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors