Omega-3 fatty acids. Current status in cardiovascular medicine.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) reduce fasting and postprandial triglycerides, decrease platelet and leucocyte reactivity, and may slightly decrease blood pressure. Omega-3 PUFA may also beneficially influence vessel wall characteristics and blood rheology. Furthermore, these compounds have been shown to inhibit ventricular tachyarrhythmias in animals. Omega-3 PUFA may impair fibrinolysis and could lead to increased oxidation of lipoproteins. Potential adverse effects must not be neglected, but should be viewed in light of the beneficial effects of these agents. Clinical studies investigating the effects of dietary omega-3 PUFA in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are beginning to emerge. The results have offered some promise, but further studies are needed to define the role of these agents in CVD. Long term trials and studies using omega-3 PUFA as adjuvants to conventional therapy in patients with coronary artery disease, hyperlipidaemia and hypertension may be of particular interest.