Fish Oil And Your Heart

FISH OIL AND YOUR HEART

While there are many pharmacological treatments for the prevention and management of coronary heart disease, both health professionals as well as the public believe simple dietary interventions may prove to be more beneficial.

Specifically, omega-3 fatty acids from fish and fish oils can protect against cardiovascular disease.

Following are just some of the benefits omega-3 has to offer:

·         Antiarrhythmic: counteracting or preventing cardiac arrhythmia

·         Tends to prevent thrombosis (a blood clot within a blood vessel)

·         Prevents fatty deposits and fibrosis of the inner layer of the arteries from forming

·         Anti-inflammatory: counteracting inflammation (heat, pain, swelling, etc.)

·         Improves endothelial function: a major factor in promoting the growth of new blood vessels

·         Lowers blood pressure

·         Lowers triglyceride, or neutral fat, concentrations Guidelines from the American Heart Association have supported the use of fish oil supplements for patients with documented coronary heart disease.

(Please note: Any and all recommendations regarding fish and

 fish oil consumption should be balanced against safety issues.)

SOURCE:  British Medical Journal 2004;328:30-35, January 3, 2004.