International Journal of Clinical Practice · 2003 · 72 citations · 111 references
MedicineNutritional SciencesPharmacologyCardiovascular PharmacotherapyInflammationPreventive CardiologyAtherosclerosis PharmacotherapyCardiovascular DiseaseCardiovascular Disease PreventionEssential Fatty AcidsIschemic Heart DiseaseLipid-lowering TherapyBlood PressureCardiovascular Effects Of Essential Fatty AcidsFatty AcidsMyocardial Contractility ModulationOmega-3 Fatty Acid MetabolismOmega-3 Fatty AcidsOmega-6 Fatty AcidsSudden Death Prevention
Fatty acids are an important source of energy which can have an influence on serum lipids. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, both polyunsaturated fatty acids, have been advocated as replacement for saturated fat. Omega-3 fatty acids, derived from fish and certain green plants, lower serum triglycerides, but they have also been shown to have a direct effect on myocardial contractility, blood pressure, platelet function, coagulation factors, cell-mediated immunity and markers of inflammation. Recently available clinical trial data, including those using the concentrated omega-3 fatty acid preparation Omacor, indicate that omega-3 fatty acids are valuable in preventing sudden death following myocardial infarction. Studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids are just as effective as, or have a benefit superior to, statins in secondary prevention. Omacor is also useful in the treatment of hypertriglyceridaemia, both as monotherapy and in combination with statins.
111