Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on coronary restenosis, intima-media thickness, and exercise tolerance: a systematic review

Atherosclerosis. 2006 Feb;184(2):237-46. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2005.06.042. Epub 2005 Aug 9.

Abstract

Greater omega-3 fatty acid consumption is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk. Though the mechanisms of their effect are unclear, they may involve lesion formation and heart function. We conducted a systematic review of the clinical literature on the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on measures of vascular structure and function. We included studies that assessed fish and plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids on coronary artery restenosis after angioplasty, carotid IMT, and exercise capacity. Compared to placebo, the summary risk ratio of coronary artery restenosis with fish oil is 0.87 (95% CI 0.73, 1.05) across 12 randomized controlled trials. Two prospective studies reported increased carotid IMT, whereas two cross-sectional studies reported a reduction of IMT, with fish, fish oil or ALA consumption. Three randomized trials and three uncontrolled studies reported small non-significant improvements in exercise capacity with fish oil. Overall, little or no effect of fish oil was found for a variety of markers of cardiovascular disease risk. There are insufficient studies to draw conclusions about the effect of ALA. The dearth of long term data on fish consumption or omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on measures of cardiovascular disease risk severely limits our ability to draw definitive conclusions at this time.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Carotid Arteries / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronary Restenosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronary Restenosis / physiopathology
  • Coronary Restenosis / prevention & control*
  • Exercise Test
  • Exercise Tolerance / drug effects
  • Exercise Tolerance / physiology*
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tunica Intima / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tunica Intima / drug effects
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3