title: [Alpha-linolenic acid, cardiovascular disease and sudden death].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Several animal experiments have documented that omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (C 18:3, n-3) from vegetable oils has beneficial electrophysiological and antiarrhythmic effects. This may explain the protective effect of ALA against cardiovascular diseases and sudden death.
  
  
  METHODS
  We have continuously and systematically collected and evaluated relevant literature (observational and secondary prophylactic studies) and here present an overview of the effects of ALA on cardiovascular diseases and sudden death.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Several observational studies in healthy individuals and in patients with coronary heart disease have indicated that a diet rich in ALA reduces coronary death and the risk for sudden death. A cross-sectional study has shown a beneficial effect of ALA on the progression of coronary atherosclerosis. Three secondary studies have also indicated beneficial effects of ALA on several cardiovascular end-points. Diet studies do have limitations, and the secondary prophylactic studies have not given a definite answer to whether ALA possesses beneficial cardiovascular effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  On the whole, the observational and secondary prophylactic studies indicate that ALA may have cardioprotective effects in healthy individuals and in patients with coronary heart disease. For those who seldom eat fish and only take small amounts of fish oils, a diet rich on ALA may be an alternative.
authors.affiliation: Institutt for farmakoterapi, Det medisinske fakultet, Universitetet i Oslo, Boks 1065 Blindern, 0316 Oslo. k.h.landmark@labmed. uio.no
authors.forename: Knud
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Landmark
authors.forename: Carina S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Alm
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000517:prevention & control*; D038441:Diet, Mediterranean; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011322:Primary Prevention; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000172:deficiency
chemical_list: D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid