Abstract
In the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, in addition to the already proven effective treatment of dyslipidemia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are considered as substances with additive effects on cardiovascular health. N-3 PUFAs combine their indirect effects on metabolic, inflammatory and thrombogenic parameters with direct effects on the cellular level. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) seems to be more efficient than docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the favorable mitigation of atherothrombosis due to its specific molecular properties. The inferred mechanism is a more favorable effect on the cell membrane. In addition, the anti-fibrotic effects of n-3 PUFA were described, with potential impacts on heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction. Furthermore, n-3 PUFA can modify ion channels, with a favorable impact on arrhythmias. However, despite recent evidence in the prevention of cardiovascular disease by a relatively high dose of icosapent ethyl (EPA derivative), there is still a paucity of data describing the exact mechanisms of n-3 PUFAs, including the role of their particular metabolites. The purpose of this review is to discuss the effects of n-3 PUFAs at several levels of the cardiovascular system, including controversies.
Highlights
Manageable vascular and cardiac disorders include mainly atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis and their fatal complications such as ischemic heart disease, strokes, peripheral artery disease and heart failure
In addition to the already established and in-clinical trials that have been effective in the treatment of dyslipidemia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus, as well as in addition to antithrombotic therapy, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are amongst the most frequently discussed nutritional substances
Three types of omega-3 fatty acids involved in human physiological processes are α-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3 ω3, found in plant oils), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5 ω3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 ω3), both commonly found in marine fish oils
Summary
Manageable vascular and cardiac disorders include mainly atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis and their fatal complications such as ischemic heart disease, strokes, peripheral artery disease and heart failure. Regarding the cardiovascular effects of n-3 PUFAs, one extensive meta-analysis [6] and one systematic review [7] concluded that the intake of fish products, including EPA and DHA, has negligible effects on cardiovascular health with the potential exception of ALA, which could moderately reduce the risk of clinical events of cardiovascular disease of atherosclerotic origin [2]. In contrast to these conclusions, recent REDUCE-IT (Reduction of Cardiovascular Events with Icosapent Ethyl–Intervention Trial) and EVAPORATE The main potential effects of omega-3 fatty acids the cardiovascular system. system
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
