[Omega-3 fatty acids in secondary prevention after myocardial infarct].

The ESC (European Society of Cardiology) recommends treatment with highly concentrated omega-3 fatty acids after myocardial infarction. By daily application of 1 g 84% EPA/DHA-ethyl ester the mortality rate is significantly reduced as shown in the GISSI-Prevenzione study. The main reason for this protective effect is the serum concentration of EPA/DHA which can be adjusted by this dosage. On account of this fact the number of fatal arrhythmias decreases. Concerning secondary prevention omega-3 fatty acids must be given in this form continuously, otherwise a clinically effective level of fatty acids cannot be achieved. Therefore the application of EPA/DHA-ethyl esters should be preferred, because in this case the serum's level can be kept on a sufficiently high level as a result of their more prolonged release.