Review of Cardiometabolic Effects of Prescription Omega-3 Fatty Acids

AbstractPurpose of ReviewPopulations with significant dietary fish intake tend to have lower cardiovascular (CV) risk and demonstrable physiologic differences including lower lipid/lipoprotein levels and other direct and indirect effects on the arterial wall and inhibiting factors that promote atherosclerosis. Treatment with high doses of pharmacologic-grade omega-3 fatty acid (n-3FA) supplements achieves significant reductions in triglycerides (TG), non-high-density lipoprotein- (non-HDL-) and TG-rich lipoprotein- (TRL-) cholesterol levels.n-3FA supplements have significant effects on markers of atherosclerosis risk including endothelial function, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, cellular and humoral markers of inflammation, hemodynamic factors, and plaque stabilization. This review summarizes the lipid and cardiometabolic effects of prescription-graden-3FAs and will discuss clinical trials, national/organizational guidelines, and expert opinion on the impact of supplementaln-3FAs on CV health and disease.Recent FindingsClinical trial evidence supports use ofn-3FAs in individuals with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), but the data either does not support or is lacking for other types of cardiometabolic risk including prevention of stroke, treatment in patients with heart failure, diabetes mellitus and prediabetes, and for primary prevention in the general population.SummaryDespite inconsistent findings to support widespread benefit, there is...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research