Prophylaxis of atherosclerosis with marine omega-3 fatty acids. A comprehensive strategy
von Schacky, C.
Annals of Internal Medicine 107(6): 890-899
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-4819 PMID: 2825573 Document Number: 291242
Traditional approaches to the prevention of atherosclerosis have focused on one aspect of the pathogenesis of this multifactorial disease, such as platelet function or blood lipids, and therefore have had limited success. Epidemiological studies show a striking inverse correlation of consumption of fish rich in the 2 omega -3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, and mortality from cardiovascular disease. In studies of healthy persons and patients, reductions in platelet responsiveness, lowering of blood lipids and improvements of blood flow, as well as improvements in other values implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, were induced with eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. These findings indicate that these omega -3 fatty acids have a larger prophylactic potential than traditional approaches. This potential must be scrutinized in meticulously designed and conducted trials with clinical endpoints.