n-3 Pufas and Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Abstract

Today, there are several observational and experimental studies, especially clinical randomized trials, that have proven the beneficial effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The most compelling evidence for the cardiovascular benefits of n-3 PUFAs comes from studies of primary prevention in patients following myocardial infarction, and most recently, in patients with heart failure. In this review, we analyze the evidence from epidemiologic studies and from large randomized controlled trials showing the benefits of n-3 PUFAs, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention. Further studies are needed to determine optimal dosing and the relative ratio of DHA and EPA that provide maximal cardioprotection.

Keywords:

• arrhythmia
• cardiovascular prevention
• heart failure
• polyunsaturated fatty acid
• postinfarction
• sudden cardiac death

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.