Published in:
01-01-2019 | Myocardial Infarction | Coronary Heart Disease (S. Virani and S. Naderi, Section Editors)
Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Cardiovascular Outcomes: Insights From Recent Clinical Trials
Published in: Current Atherosclerosis Reports | Issue 1/2019
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Purpose of Review
Omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FA) are among the most well-recognized health supplements but their cardiovascular benefits have long been controversial owing to inconsistent results from previous cardiovascular outcomes trials (CVOT). In this article, we provide a short review of existing literature followed by recent randomized clinical trial data, with a discussion of the potential clinical implications of these new findings.
Recent Findings
Data from the randomized, controlled trial REDUCE-IT, when viewed within the context of other recently published trials ASCEND and VITAL, add to a growing body of evidence on the use of ω-3 FA therapies in the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
Summary
Given the different formulations, dosages, and patient populations studied, CVOTs of ω-3 FA have provided valuable insight into the use of these agents in cardioprotection. Current data suggest that higher dosages of pure eicosapentaenoic acid ω-3 FA formulations provide additional benefit in reduction of ASCVD events.