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OMEGA‐3 FATTY ACIDS AND HYPERTENSION IN HUMANS
Author(s) -
Mori Trevor A
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
clinical and experimental pharmacology and physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1440-1681
pISSN - 0305-1870
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1681.2006.04451.x
Subject(s) - docosahexaenoic acid , eicosapentaenoic acid , medicine , myocardial infarction , blood pressure , cardiology , stroke (engine) , population , clinical trial , fatty acid , pharmacology , polyunsaturated fatty acid , biochemistry , biology , environmental health , mechanical engineering , engineering
SUMMARY1 Population studies and clinical trials provide compelling evidence that omega‐3 (w3) fatty acids have cardioprotective effects. The strongest evidence is from DART and GISSI‐P, two secondary prevention trials in patients with previous myocardial infarctions. Data from these trials support a reduction in ventricular fibrillation as a primary mechanism for the decreased incidence of myocardial infarction. 2 Evidence suggests that w3 fatty acids may also provide protection against stroke, particularly ischaemic stroke. 3 The cardioprotective effects of w3 fatty acids relate to improvements in blood pressure, cardiac function, arterial compliance and vascular function, as well as improved lipid metabolism, antiplatelet and anti‐inflammatory effects. 4 Clinical trials in humans have shown that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have different haemodynamic properties. Docosahexaenoic acid may be more favourable in lowering blood pressure and heart rate, as well as improving vascular function. However, the effects of EPA and DHA may also differ depending on the target population.