The mechanism of action of omega-3 fatty acids in secondary prevention post-myocardial infarction.
BACKGROUND
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish and fish oils can protect against coronary heart disease (CHD), which is still the most common cause of death in the Western economies. Evidence from epidemiological and case cohort studies indicate that consumpton of fatty fish and omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of cardiovascular mortality.


OBJECTIVE
This article briefly reviews the evidence regarding omega-3 fatty acids and CHD and outlines the mechanisms through which omega-3 fatty acids might confer cardiac benefits over and above the standard secondary prevention strategies.


CONCLUSIONS
The conclusion reached is that omega-3 fatty acids play a significant role in secondary prevention post-myocardial infarction. The mechanisms through which two of these omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexanoic acid, exert their action appear to be distinct and adjuvant to the available standard secondary prevention therapies. The role to be played by the administration of a newly licensed 90% concentrate EPA + DHA formulation (1 g/day capsule: Omacor) is explored.
Harrison
Nigel
N
Noble's Hospital, Isle of Man, UK.
Abhyankar
Brihad
B
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005395:Fish Oils