Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease

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Abstract
Omega-3 fatty acids are gaining acceptance in the cardiovascular field. The present review describes the most recent studies and developments in the field. Marine ω-3 fatty acids, that is eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, prevent fatal myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death by their antiarrhythmic effects and presumably also by their effect on infarct size, the latter mediated by plaque stabilization, improvements in endothelial function and other mechanisms. In contrast, a cardioprotective effect of α-linolenic acid, a plant-derived ω-3 fatty acid, remains to be clearly demonstrated in adequate intervention trials. Other forms of applications, like parenteral use or other indications, like in the psychiatric field, are currently being actively investigated. Eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, but not α-linolenic acid, prevent sudden death and other cardiovascular catastrophies, and have therefore been recently incorporated into the pertinent guidelines of European and American cardiologic societies.

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