BMJ  2004;328:30-35 (3 January), doi:10.1136/bmj.328.7430.30

Clinical review

Science, medicine, and the future

Omega 3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease—fishing for a natural treatment

¹ Cardiovascular Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, ² Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA

Omega 3 fatty acids from fish and fish oils can protect against coronary heart disease. This article reviews the evidence regarding fish oils and coronary disease and outlines the mechanisms through which fish oils might confer cardiac benefits

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Introduction

Omega 3 fatty acids from fish and fish oils can protect against coronary heart disease. Both health professionals and the public are increasingly interested in their role in the prevention and management of coronary heart disease. In this era of multiple pharmacological treatments for cardiovascular disease many believe that simple dietary interventions or nutritional supplements may be a more natural and acceptable method of providing benefits.

Several areas of uncertainty remain. The optimal intake of omega 3 fatty acids is not firmly established, nor is their mechanism of action fully understood. Some studies have produced conflicting results, and concerns have been increasing about environmental contamination of certain fish. This article reviews the current evidence regarding fish oils and cardiovascular disease, their possible mechanism of action, and potential future developments and research strategies.

Sources and selection criteria

We searched PubMed for relevant articles by using the key words "fish," "fish oils," "omega 3 fatty acids," . . . [Full text of this article]

Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Epidemiological and observational studies

Clinical intervention trials

Mechanism of action

Arrhythmias
Thrombosis
Atherosclerosis
Inflammation
Endothelial function
Blood pressure
Triglyceride lowering

Clinical implications

Future directions

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Rapid Responses:

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Omega-3 are potent free radical scavengers, and stimulate both mitochondrium Q10 Circle and Co Q10 Synthesis.

Sergio Stagnaro
bmj.com, 2 Jan 2004 [Full text]

Physical activity

Bengt Kayser
bmj.com, 2 Jan 2004 [Full text]

Fish oil , but also Cretan-Mediterranean food

Axel Ellrodt
bmj.com, 4 Jan 2004 [Full text]

Algae as a source of "fish" oil

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to fish or not to fish

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bmj.com, 13 Jan 2004 [Full text]

Omega 3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease

Gilbert De Bruycker
bmj.com, 12 Feb 2007 [Full text]

Re: Omega 3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease

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bmj.com, 8 Jun 2008 [Full text]