Speaker Abstract

Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Heart Health

Bruce I Holub, Univ.of Guelph, ON Canada N1G 2W1.

Recent studies have indicated that the regular consumption of fish containing omega-3 fatty acids (as EPA plus DHA) protects against myocardial infarctions and associated cardiovascular disease (CVD). The apparent protective effects of omega-3 fatty acids as found in fish have recently been supported by large recent clinical trials using supplementary fish oil concentrates containing EPA/DHA. These studies have indicated a significant lowering of heart disease death rates in 11,000 heart attack victims who consumed concentrated omega-3 fish oil supplements. Also, the rate of progression of angiographically-monitored CVD was also significantly reduced by fish oil supplementation. The protective effects of omega-3 fatty acids appears to be mediated via several parameters including a reduction in serum triglyceride levels (without an accompanying decrease in total or LDL-cholesterol levels), reduction in plasma viscosity, anti-thrombogenic effects (including reduced platelet adhesion /aggregation), anti-arrhythimic effects, plus others. The consumption of fish and concentrated sources of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in quality fish oil supplements can be expected to have very wide application in managing diabetic and pre-diabetic patients at risk of CVD and associated mortality.
(Supported by the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario)