| Abstract | Important cardiological societies all over the world recommend the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for follow-up treatment after myocardial infarction and for preventing sudden cardiac death and cardiovascular events. The recommendations are based on comprehensive data that were compiled in systematic reviews and meta-analyses. In epidemiological studies, the concentration of these two omega-3 fatty acids in humans correlated inversely to the probability of suffering sudden cardiac death. This concentration is best presented as the omega-3 index,which is a measure of the concentration of EPA and DHA in erythrocytes. The omega-3 index hence represents a risk factor for sudden cardiac death. This assertion is substantiated by statistical data on sudden cardiac death and by the results of interventional studies on omega-3 fatty acids. Through the intake of omega-3 fatty acids, the omega-3 index can be increased to a level (> 8%) at which sudden cardiac death is 90% less likely than at the usual index levels (< 4%). Due to methodological considerations and analytical problems, it is advisable to have the omega-3 index determined in certified laboratories. |
| Authors | Clemens von Schacky
(Affiliation: Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München und Omegametrix, Martinsried. clemens.vonschacky at med.uni-muenchen.de)
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| Journal | MMW Fortschritte der Medizin
(MMW Fortschr Med)
Vol. 149 Suppl 3
Pg. 97-101
(Sep 13 2007)
ISSN: 1438-3276 Germany |
| Vernacular Title | Omega-3-Fettsäuren in der Kardiologie. Neueste Entwicklungen. |
| PMID | 17955786
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)
|
| Chemical References |
- Fatty Acids, Omega-3
- Eicosapentaenoic Acid
- Docosahexaenoic Acids
|
| Topics |
- Case-Control Studies
- Death, Sudden, Cardiac
(epidemiology, prevention & control)
- Docosahexaenoic Acids
(administration & dosage, blood, therapeutic use)
- Eicosapentaenoic Acid
(administration & dosage, blood, therapeutic use)
- Fatty Acids, Omega-3
(administration & dosage, blood, therapeutic use)
- Humans
- Meta-Analysis as Topic
- Myocardial Infarction
(prevention & control)
- Odds Ratio
- Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
- Risk Factors
- Time Factors
|
