Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Health: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

The potential cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD) benefits of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (OM3) have been intensely studied and debated for decades. Initial trials were performed in patients with low use of maximal medical therapy for CVD, and reported significant mortality benefits with the use of 1 g/day OM3 intervention following myocardial infarction (MI). More recent studies, including cohorts of patients receiving modern guideline directed medical therapy for CVD, have often not shown similar benefits with OM3 use. We conducted a literature review using PubMed, professional society guidelines, specific journal databases including New England Journal of Medicine and Journal of the American College of Cardiology from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2017. References from selected articles were also reviewed, as well as key articles outside of the selected time-frame for their important findings or historical perspectives. Currently, there are no Class I recommendations from the American Heart Association (AHA) for the use of OM3, however, considering the safety of this therapy and beneficial findings of some modern studies (including patients with current maximal medical therapy for CVD), the AHA has recently expanded their list of Class II recommendations, in which treatment with OM3 for CVD benefit is reasonable. This review discusses the current state of the evidence, summarizes current professional recommendations, and provides recommendations for future research.

Rubus ulmifolius Schott fruits: A detailed study of its nutritional, chemical and bioactive properties

“…Several studies indicate that through linoleic acid (omega 6, ω-6), it is synthetized the arachidonic acid, a substrate of cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase and cytochrome P450 enzymes, leading to the generation of eicosanoids and mediators for inflammatory regulation with fundamental physiological functions (Anez-Bustillos et al, 2018;Innes & Calder, 2018;Mori, 2018;Tallima & El Ridi, 2018). On the other hand, α-linolenic acid (omega 3, ω-3) is the precursor for the production of others polyunsaturated omega 3 fatty acids, through a cascade of reaction, such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which represents the omega 3 fatty acid with major potential to exert beneficial physiologic effects on the regulation of plasma triglyceride levels, arrhythmias, blood pressure, atherosclerotic plaque, platelet aggregation, and consequently, to improve the vascular function (Elagizi et al, 2018). Also, it has the function to control the weight gain and chronic inflammation trough gut microbiota (Zhang, Ju, & Zuo, 2018).…”

Exercise Counteracts the Cardiotoxicity of Psychosocial Stress

“…Omega-3 fats, particularly those derived from marine life, are critically important for optimal functioning of the brain 131 as well as the CV system. 132 Approximately 90% US adults are deficient in omega-3, and this predisposes to adverse CV events, depression, and other mental disorders. 133 blood induced by eating fish or consuming omega-3 supplements may, in part, exert cardioprotective effects via improvement in mood and overall brain functioning.…”

“…133 blood induced by eating fish or consuming omega-3 supplements may, in part, exert cardioprotective effects via improvement in mood and overall brain functioning. 131,132,134 b-Blockers can be useful in treating some specific types of stress, such as panic attacks and performance anxiety. b-Blockers have been found to be as effective as benzodiazepines for the treatment of panic disorder and do not carry the high risk of sedation, cognitive impairment, dependence, and tolerance seen with benzodiazepines.…”

(Summary of the recommendations for long-term secondary prevention after myocardial infarction)

“…Studie však probíhají stále a přesto, že některé práce ukazovaly snížení mortality z KV příčin v sekundární prevenci při konzumaci omega-3 mastných kyselin v dávce 1 g/den, současné doporučení American Heart Association (AHA) pro omega-3 MK je ve třídě II doporučení a je jisté, že další výzkum je nutný. 30 Ani v otázce nasycených MK a epidemiologických dat KVO nejsou vysvětleny všechny problémy, existují kontroverzní otázky ve vztahu příjmu cholesterolu a KVO, které zatím nebyly uspokojivě vysvětleny. 29…”