Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: a necessity for a comprehensive secondary prevention strategy

Abstract

Jeetesh V Patel, Inessa Tracey, Elizabeth A Hughes, Gregory YH LipHaemostasis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology Unit, University of Birmingham Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, City Hospital, Birmingham, England, UKAbstract: Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation has been used for the secondary prevention of fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI). However, the benefit of this therapy is frequently confused with other established treatments in the therapeutic strategy among such patients. We review the data on omega-3 PUFA use in secondary care and consider indications for its use which include post-MI and raised triglycerides. We suggest that the available evidence supports the use of omega-3 supplementation as part of the comprehensive secondary care package for post-MI patients.Keywords: omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, myocardial infarction