n-3 fatty acids from fish and coronary artery disease: implications for public health

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo review and discuss the effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) from fish in the prevention and, primarily, in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD).DesignOverview of the literature.SettingDenmark.ResultsThere is good evidence that fish consumption may reduce the risk of CAD.ConclusionsFish can be recommended to reduce the risk of CAD both in healthy subjects and in patients with a high risk of CAD or with documented CAD. The use of fish oil concentrates can not be recommended in general, but may be considered in patients after a myocardial infarction or in patients with hypertriglyceridaemia. An increased intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish may have substantial implications for public health and health economy by decreasing the risk of coronary events and sudden cardiac death.