title: Current evidence and future perspectives of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
abstract: Omega-3 fatty acids have been traditionally used for the prevention of major cardiovascular events in patients with or without a history of cardiovascular disease. Their main mechanism of action is to lower triglyceride levels, but they also exert anti-arrythmic and anti-inflammatory properties, they reduce blood pressure levels and stabilize the atherosclerotic plaques. There is a vast amount of evidence derived from randomized studies that seems to question their benefit for the prevention of major cardiovascular events. Upcoming trials will help to better clarify their use in certain indications.
authors.affiliation: Lipid Disorders' Clinic, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece. vagrizos@gmail.com
authors.forename: Evangelos C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Rizos
authors.forename: Moses S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Elisaf
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents