From Inuit to implementation: Omega-3 fatty acids come of age

During the past 25 years, the cardiovascular effects of marine omega-3 (ome ga-3) fatty acids have been the subject of increasing investigation. In the late 1970s, epidemiological studies revealed that Greenland Inuits had sub stantially reduced rates of acute myocardial infarction compared with Weste rn control subjects. These observations generated more than 4500 studies to explore this and other effects of omega-3 fatty acids on human metabolism and health. From epidemiology to cell culture and animal studies to randomi zed controlled trials, the cardioprotective effects of omega-3 fatty acids are becoming recognized. These fatty acids, when incorporated into the diet at levels of about 1g/d, seem to be able to stabilize myocardial membranes electrically, resulting in reduced susceptibility to ventricular dysrhythm ias, thereby reducing the risk of sudden death, The recent GISSI (Gruppo It aliano per lo Studio delta Sopravvivenza nell'Infarto miocardico)-Preventio n study of 11,324 patients showed a 45% decrease in risk of sudden cardiac death and a 20% reduction in all-cause mortality in the group taking 850 mg /d of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have potent anti-inflammatory effects and may also be antiatherogenic, Higher doses of omega-3 fatty acid s can lower elevated serum triglyceride levels; 3 to 5 g/d can reduce trigl yceride levels by 30% to 50%, minimizing the risk of both coronary heart di sease and acute pancreatitis. This review summarizes the emerging evidence of the use of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of coronary heart disea se.