Effects of DHA and EPA on Cardiovascular Indices

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is a serious medical condition associated with high cases of death throughout the world. It is ranked the second most dangerous disease after COVID-19 followed by AIDS. Understanding the causes of heart related diseases and progression mechanisms would therefore be important for this study. This study was reviewed and approved by the respective Institutional IRB committees prior to its conduct. The main aim of the study was to determine the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (800 mg daily, p.o.) on the lipid profile of 30 selected patients. The patients were managed over a period of 180 days with diagnosis and treatment given daily for the study duration. During a specified three visits, vitals and blood samples were collected initially and for follow up, and blood plasma was processed for triglycerides (TG), cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high- density lipo-proteins (HDL) were measured. The lipid indices were calculated using these values and apolipoprotein B, and C-II were evaluated. The blood flow rate was also measured in the retina of the eyes using a laser doppler flowmetry. The heparin-lipoprotein lipase (HP-LPL) was also estimated using standard procedures. Genotyping of S447X was also done. Findings showed that LDL, HDL and Casteli II lipogenic index were elevated with the duration of administration of DHA and EPA while TG, total cholesterol (TC), and other lipogenic markers: Casteli I, Apo CII and Atherogenic indices were lowered with repeat visits and continued use of DHA and EPA combined with exercise and diet plan. The HP-LPL activity was also increased with each subsequent visit and study. In conclusion, the regimen significantly improved blood flow rate, lipid profile and lowered the risk for cardiovascular events in the selected study subjects. Continued studies are recommended to further demonstrate the longer-term effects of the treatment regimen in reducing the atherosclerotic plagues and cardiovascular outcomes of subjects.