Omega-3s Show Benefit in Cardiovascular Conditions

Review of decades of research illustrates that evidence is strong

07 aug 2009-- Current evidence from decades of studies has shown that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), found primarily in fish oils, can help prevent cardiovascular conditions, according to a review in the Aug. 11 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Carl J. Lavie, M.D., from Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, and colleagues note that the strongest evidence of the benefits of omega-3 PUFA has come from four controlled trials of nearly 40,000 individuals who were randomly assigned to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) with or without docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for primary prevention, after myocardial infarction, and in heart failure.

The researchers note that current evidence suggests recommended EPA+DHA dose should be at least 500 mg per day in people without known cardiovascular disease and 800 to 1,000 mg per day in people with known coronary heart disease and heart failure.

"Convincing evidence from extensive research over the past three decades points out the potential beneficial effects of omega-3 PUFA in primary prevention, coronary heart disease and post-myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, heart failure, atherosclerosis, and atrial fibrillation," Lavie and colleagues conclude. "Based on the growing evidence for the benefits of fish oils, we agree that this story represents a 'fish tale with growing credibility'."

Several authors reported financial or consulting relationships with several pharmaceutical companies.

Abstract
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