Fish Oils Not Only Prevent Heart Disease – They Also Treat It

Fish oils are often in the spotlight for their health benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids found in certain kinds of fish have been shown to help prevent cardiovascular disease. Well, now those fatty acids may treat cardiovascular disease as well. This information comes according to a recent nutritional and medical review.

Dr. Carl J. Lavie, medical director of cardiac rehabilitation and prevention at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans, points out that many people know that omega-3 fatty acids are good as health food or for nutrition. He says, "They don't realize there is so much data, a lot of data from big studies, that they are not only preventive but also help in therapy for a number of conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, heart attack, atherosclerosis and heart failure."

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Long Recognized for Cardiac Benefits

Way back in 2002, the American Heart Association (AHA) endorsed omega-3 fatty acid intake from fish or supplements in a scientific statement. The AHA went as far as recommending specific amounts for people in the general public, with higher amounts recommended for people with heart disease. According to Lavie, the general population should be taking 500 milligrams a day and those with a history of heart disease should be taking 800 to 1,000 milligrams a day.

Lavie says, "I have a family history of heart disease. I eat a lot of fish and take a supplement just to be sure." He points out that it must be the right kind of fish. These include salmon, trout, and red fish. It takes very little effort to get the recommended amount. "Five hundred milligrams a day is two fatty fish meals per week," Lavie added.

A Review of the Studies

Lavie admitted that one of the studies that he reviewed did have negative findings showing no benefits from omega-3 fatty acids in heart attack patients. However he pointed out that there were extenuating circumstances. The study only included about 4,000 participants, making it fairly small in relation to the many other studies reviewed. It was also short, only one year. Most significantly, the patients were already on intensive drug therapy including clot-busting clopidogrel, cholesterol-lowering statins, beta blockers and ACE inhibitors.

Lavie cited many larger studies that show that Alaskan Eskimos and Asian populations, who have high levels of fish oils in their diets, have very low incidence of cardiovascular disease.

The evidence is not decisive according to the new report. More studies will be needed to evaluate the benefits of EPA and DHA, the long-chain fatty acids in the omega-3 family. The AHA warns that you should consult your physician before taking Omega-3 supplements as too much can result in excessive bleeding.

Omega-3 fatty acids have long been known to provide many health benefits. The recent reviews of the many studies that have been performed seem to indicate that it is beneficial to preventing as well as treating cardiac disease. This is great news considering the ease of getting the recommended daily amount. The future studies will attempt to complete the picture of the benefits these nutrients provide.