Omega-3 fatty acids: their beneficial role in cardiovascular health.
OBJECTIVE
To examine evidence for the role of omega-3 fatty acids in cardiovascular disease.


METHODS
PubMed was searched for articles on the role of omega-3 fatty acids in cardiovascular disease. Level I and II evidence indicates that omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial in improving cardiovascular outcomes.


RESULTS
Dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids has declined by 80% during the last 100 years, while intake of omega-6 fatty acids has greatly increased. Omega-3 fatty acids are cardioprotective mainly due to beneficial effects on arrhythmias, atherosclerosis, inflammation, and thrombosis. There is also evidence that they improve endothelial function, lower blood pressure, and significantly lower triglycerides.


CONCLUSIONS
There is good evidence in the literature that increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids improves cardiac outcomes. Physicians need to integrate dietary recommendations for consumption of omega-3 fatty acids into their usual cardiovascular care.
Schwalfenberg
Gerry
G
Department of Family Practice, Misericordia Hospital, Edmonton, Alta. gschwals@telus.net
D002170:Canada; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D018673:Nutrition Policy
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3