Relations between n-3 fatty acid status and cardiovascular disease risk factors among Quebecers

Background: Epidemiologic evidence shows an inverse relation between fish c onsumption and death from ischemic heart disease. This beneficial effect is attributed to n-3 fatty acids. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the association betwee n plasma phospholipid concentrations of the n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoi c acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and various cardiovascular dise ase risk factors among Quebecers. Design: The study population consisted of 1460 subjects aged 18-74 y who pa rticipated in the 1990 Quebec Heart Health and Nutrition Survey. Data were obtained through home interviews and clinic visits. Results: Expressed as the percentage of total fatty acids in plasma phospho lipids, the geometric means of EPA, DHA, and their combination were 0.47%, 1.19%, and 1.70%, respectively. Concentrations of n-3 fatty acids were posi tively associated with fish intake. We found positive associations between EPA and total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, plasma glucose , and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. We found positive associations between DHA and total cholesterol, the ratio of total to HDL cholesterol, triacylglycerols, systolic blood pressure, and plasma glucose and insulin. We also found positive associations between the ratio of EPA to arachidonic acid and total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure a nd a negative association with the ratio of total to HDL cholesterol. Conclusions: Our results indicate that concentrations of EPA and DHA in pla sma phospholipids reflected Quebecer fish consumption. Results also show th at EPA and the ratio of EPA to arachidonic acid can positively influence HD L-cholesterol concentrations.