Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Observational studies and early clinical trials indicated that long-chain n-3 fatty acids have a role in prevention of coronary heart disease, specifically fatal coronary heart disease. Results of recent trials have been inconsistent, although the study designs, patient populations, and n-3 doses have been quite different. Some studies have called into question whether there is any benefit from n-3 fatty acid therapy in patients who are receiving guideline-based treatment since their coronary event. Other recent trials suggest that certain patient subgroups, specifically those with diabetes or metabolic syndrome, may derive a significant benefit. Also, the only clinical trial to show a reduction in nonfatal coronary events used a higher n-3 fatty acid dose than used in the other studies, which raises the question of whether more is better for certain clinical outcomes. Only further research can resolve these questions.