Secondary prevention of coronary artery disease with omega-3 supplementation

13.11.2007

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

Omega-3 fatty acid therapy is a promising intervention for the secondary prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD). 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 evidence indicates that omega-3 fatty acid treatment in various dosages and lengths of time play a role in the outcome of patients with CAD.

T A Jacobsen (2006) Secondary prevention of coronary artery disease with omega-3 fatty acids. The American Journal of Cardiology, 98, 61-70.

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