Health
Fish oil found to be heart healthy
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted May 17, 2004
The evidence is in that fish oil can help reduce deaths from heart disease, according to new evidence reported on April 22 by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
A systematic review by the agency of the available literature found that long chain omega-3 fatty acids, the beneficial component of fish or a fish oil supplement, reduces heart attacks and other problems related to heart and blood vessel disease in people who already have the conditions, as well as their overall risk of death.
Although omega-3 fatty acids do not alter total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, or LDL cholesterol, evidence suggests that they can reduce levels of triglycerides, a fat in the blood that may contribute to heart disease.
The review also found evidence that fish oil can help lower high blood pressure slightly, might reduce risk of coronary artery re-blockage after angioplasty, could increase exercise capability among patients with clogged arteries and might reduce the risk of irregular heart beats, particularly in individuals who have had a recent heart attack.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/05/17/hlbf0517.htm.
