Fish Oils and Stroke/Blood Coagulation Summaries of the latest research concerning fish oils and stroke and blood coagulation Review supports benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for prevention of heart disease

ATLANTA, GEORGIA. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have been linked to lower mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) in several, but not all, observational studies on the topic. Prevention trials of n-3 PUFAs have also supported a role in CHD prevention, but several different varieties of n-3 PUFAs were used. Now, researchers from Emory University School of Medicine have reviewed the data from randomized controlled clinical trials on n-3 PUFAs and CHD. The studies were divided into those using plant-based n-3 PUFAs (alphalinolenic acid, ALA), fish-based n-3 PUFAs (eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, DHA), and fish consumption in the diet. Fourteen randomized clinical trials were included in the review, six of which were of fish oil, including one large trial of 10,000 participants. The researchers report a clear trend suggesting that there are important differences in CHD outcomes when using fish-based EPA or DHA compared with plant-based ALA. Most of the fish oil trials suggest a significant reduction in total mortality and CHD deaths and a possible strong antiarrhythmic effect. The dietary fish trials also suggest a reduction in mortality and reduced arrhythmia, supporting the theory that fish-based n-3 PUFAs may impart their cardioprotective effect by acting as an antiarrhythmic agent. They may do so by stabilizing the electrical activity of heart muscle cells or by decreasing the heart rate. The trials of ALA supplements and ALAenriched diets, including walnut, soybean, or flaxseed oil, were less reliable, but showed possible benefits in reducing mortality. The review concludes that the evidence suggests a role for fish oil (EPA, DHA) or fish in secondary prevention, as clinical trial data demonstrate a significant reduction in total mortality, coronary heart disease death, and sudden death. However the data on ALA is limited by studies of limited quality. Several previous studies have suggested that n-3 PUFAs reduce heart attack risk through benefiting endothelial function (cells of blood vessel walls), reducing inflammation, and the risk of thrombosis (blood clotting). The American Heart Association has published guidelines for patients with CHD recommending a consumption of fish and fish oil, totaling 1g/day of EPA and DHA. Harper, C.R. and Jacobson, T.A. Usefulness of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and the Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease. American Journal of Cardiology, Vol. 96, December 2005, pp. 1521-29/