Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease.
OBJECTIVE
Omega-3 fatty acids are gaining acceptance in the cardiovascular field. The present review describes the most recent studies and developments in the field.


RESULTS
Marine omega-3 fatty acids, that is eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, prevent fatal myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death by their antiarrhythmic effects and presumably also by their effect on infarct size, the latter mediated by plaque stabilization, improvements in endothelial function and other mechanisms. In contrast, a cardioprotective effect of alpha-linolenic acid, a plant-derived omega-3 fatty acid, remains to be clearly demonstrated in adequate intervention trials. Other forms of applications, like parenteral use or other indications, like in the psychiatric field, are currently being actively investigated.


CONCLUSIONS
Eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, but not alpha-linolenic acid, prevent sudden death and other cardiovascular catastrophies, and have therefore been recently incorporated into the pertinent guidelines of European and American cardiologic societies.
von Schacky
Clemens
C
Medical Clinic and Policlinic Innenstadt, University of Munich, Ziemssenstrasse 1, D-80336 Munich, Germany. clemens.vonschacky@med.uni-muenchen.de
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3