[Omega-3 fatty acids in cardiology. Latest developments].

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
• Journal: MMW Fortschritte der Medizin (MMW Fortschr Med) Vol. 149 Suppl 3 Pg. 97-101 (Sep 13 2007) ISSN: 1438-3276 [Print] 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
• Docosahexaenoic Acids
• Eicosapentaenoic Acid

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