THE EFFECT OF N-3 FATTY-ACIDS AND NIFEDIPINE ON PLATELET-FUNCTION IN HYPERTENSIVE MALES

Dietary fish oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids, may modulate the platel et function (1,2,3). Calcium channel blockers (CCB) are currently beli eved to act as platelet inhibitors (4,5,6) since platelet activation b y many agonists requires calcium ions. The aim of this study was to te st whether supplementation with n-3 fatty acids alone (double-blind, p lacebo controlled) and in combination with nifedipine (open treatment) , could decrease platelet function in male hypertensives with hyperlip idaemia. To assess platelet function in vivo, we measured plasma beta- thromboglobulin (beta-TG) concentration, platelet count, mean platelet volume and the bleeding time.