Fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids in cardiovascular disease: do they really work?

Eur Heart J. 2012 Feb;33(4):436-43. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehr362. Epub 2011 Sep 19.

Abstract

Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found abundantly in fish oil, exert pleiotropic cardiometabolic effects with a diverse range of actions. The results of previous studies raised a lot of interest in the role of fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The present review will focus on the current clinical uses of omega-3 fatty acids and provide an update on their effects. Since recently published trials in patients with coronary artery diseases or post-myocardial infarction did not show an effect of omega-3 fatty acids on major cardiovascular endpoints, this review will examine the limitations of those data and suggest recommendations for the use of omega-3 fatty acids.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / epidemiology
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / therapeutic use*
  • Fish Oils / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Fish Oils