Cardiovascular Benefits of Fish Oil


Evidence for cardiovascular benefits of Fish oil comes from four controlled trials of almost 40,000 participants who received Eicosapentaenoic acid with or without Docosahexaenoic in studies of primary prevention, after MI, and most recently with heart failure.



Fish oil from oily fish or supplements have been shown to be of benefit in primary and secondary cardiovascular disease prevention of Arrhythmias, Heart failure and Hypertriglyceridemia, most commonly used omega-3 in Trails (DARTGISSIJELIS) are Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

Recommendations for Omega-3 Consumption:
  • Healthy people should consume at least 500 mg per day of EPA/DHA — equal to around two fatty-fish meals per week — and that those with known CHD or HF get 800 to 1000 mg per day EPA/DHA.
  • Higher doses of 3 to 4 g/day of EPA/DHA are recommended for hypertriglyceridemia, anti-inflammatory effects, and antiplatelet effects, and lower doses of 850 to 1000 mg/day for secondary cardiovascular disease prevention and HF.
  • If somebody really were eating salmon and tuna and mackerel and sardines (should not be eaten raw), and they were doing that several times a week, then they wouldn't need to be taking a supplement but very few people are going to eat the therapeutic doses of fatty fish. So suppliments are needed.
  • FDA has approved a high-dose preparation (Lovaza; GlaxoSmithKline) containing 4 g/day of omega-3 PUFA for the treatment of very high triglyceride levels (≥ 500 mg/dL).
  • The dose of 3 to 4 g/day of EPA/DHA has been shown to reduce triglyceride levels by 30% to 40% with a smaller reduction in non–high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels of 14% and a 9% increase in HDL-cholesterol levels.
  • Antiplatelet effects, anti-inflammatory effects, and triglyceride lowering require higher doses of DHA/EPA (3 - 4 g/day).
  • Antiarrhythmic effects, reduction in secondary coronary events, and improvement in HF can be achieved at lower doses of 500 to 1000 mg of EPA/DHA daily.
  • However, more studies are needed to determine optimal doses of EPA/DHA for each condition.
Few facts about omega-3 PUFA
  • Can cause nausea, gastrointestinal upset, and 'fishy' burp.
  • Although a concern, prolonged bleeding times with clinically significant bleeding have not been noted at doses of up to 7 g of combined EPA and DHA daily, even when combined with warfarin or antiplatelet therapy.
  • The FDA advises that children and pregnant or lactating women avoid fish with potentially high mercury content such as swordfish, king mackerel, and shark.
but the fish oil supplements contain negligible amounts of mercury...so grab that pill..!!


Also Read: Oat meal is good for ur heart
                 : Dietary fibers may reduce Diabetes risk.
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