ω3-polyunsarturated fatty acid medications in cardiovascular event prevention
Abstract
Multiple population studies have demonstrated an inverse relationship between dietary content of ω3- polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3-PUFA) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Increased consumption of ω3- PUFA, due to diet modification or supplement intake, was associated with decreased mortality in CVD patients. Clinical effectiveness of ω3-PUFA medication, Omacor®, was demonstrated in the largest, prospective trial on ω3-PUFA and prognosis in coronary heart disease (CHD) - GISSI-Prevenzione. In total, 11323 patients diagnosed with myocardial infarction (MI) in less then 3 previous months and receiving modern therapy, were randomized to 1 g/d of concentrated ω3-PUFA, or 300 mg/d of vitamin Е (α-tocopherol), or ω3-PUFA and vitamin E combination, or placebo (control group). Mean follow-up period lasted for 44±5,4 months. By the end of the study, only in participants receiving Omacor®, total mortality decreased by 21%, cardiovascular mortality – by 30%, and sudden death (SD) risk – by 44%, comparing to placebo group. Benefits of ω3-PUFA treatment manifested relatively early: total mortality decrease was statistically significant after 3 months, and after 4 months SD risk significantly reduced by 53%. ω3-PUFA demonstrated positive pleyotropic action, with post-IM SD rate decrease as the most important clinical effect.
About the Authors
K. A. Talitsky
A.L. Myasnikov Research Institute of Clinical Cardiology, Russian Cardiology Scientific and Clinical Complex, State Federal Agency for Health and Social Development. Moscow
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Yu. A. Karpov
A.L. Myasnikov Research Institute of Clinical Cardiology, Russian Cardiology Scientific and Clinical Complex, State Federal Agency for Health and Social Development. Moscow
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
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Review
For citations:
Talitsky K.A., Karpov Yu.A. ω3-polyunsarturated fatty acid medications in cardiovascular event prevention. Cardiovascular Therapy and Prevention. 2006;5(6):81-90. (In Russ.)
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