Robert H. Eckel, MD, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus speaks about Review Article - Cardiovascular effects of omega-3 fatty acids: Hope or hype?


Link to Article:
https://www.atherosclerosis-journal.com/article/S0021-9150(21)00086-1/abstract#%20


Introduction:

After a clinical trial (REDUCE-IT) revealed excellent outcomes with icosapent ethyl (IPE) in patients undergoing maximally tolerated statin treatment, omega-3 fatty acids have emerged as a novel alternative for reducing the residual risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the statin era. Another experiment (STRENGTH) that employed a high dose of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) combination failed. These findings pose clinically significant issues when taken together. Are the effects of omega-3 fatty acids neutral, helpful, or perhaps detrimental in individuals on statin therapy? Different kinds of omega-3 fatty acids (just EPA or EPA + DHA), dosages (greater vs. lower dose) of omega-3 fatty acids, or comparators (corn oil or mineral oil), as well as the underlying severity of the CVD risk or usage of statins, might explain the present conflicting results.
In addition to these topics, we will examine the biological and clinical consequences of various kinds of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as how to assess the findings of historical and current clinical research and provide practical recommendations for patient treatment.