Omega-3 fatty acid therapy is a promising intervention for the secondary prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD)

06.01.2010

Many studies support a strong role for omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish oil in secondary prevention through a presumptive role as an antiarrhythmic agent and through an ability to promote plaque stabilization. 

A large number of clinical trials studying the role of omega-3 fatty acids have been conducted in patients with CAD or prior myocardial infarction (MI) examining hard cardiovascular end points, including total mortality, cardiovascular mortality, sudden death, and nonfatal MI. Studies have shown up to 50% reduction of total mortality and sudden death in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators due to ischemic ventricular arrhythmias. A large study in Japan suggests significant benefits in the reduction of unstable angina and nonfatal coronary events. The total of evidence supports that Omega-3 fatty acid treatment in various dosage and length of time play a role in the outcome of patients with CAD.

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