Comparative placebo-controlled study on the effect of dietary supplements containing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on hemodynamics and lipid metabolism in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Aim. To study the effect of dietary supplements containing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omega-3 PUFAs) on the parameters of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), 24-hour electrocardiogram (HM-ECG), and lipid profile in postmenopausal women.Material and methods. The study involved 95 postmenopausal women with a mean age of 55.9±6.0 years, without cardiovascular complications, type 2 diabetes mellitus and atrial fibrillation/flutter. The patients were divided into the main group (n=49; dietary supplement with Omega-3 PUFAs 1 g 2 times/day — content of Omega-3 PUFAs at least 30%) and the placebo group (n=46; taking capsules with vegetable oil). 17 (34.7%) patients from the main group and 18 (39.1%) patients from the placebo group took constant antihypertensive therapy, 7 (14.3%) of patients from the main group and 7 (15.2%) patients from the placebo group took constant lipid- lowering therapy. The patients did not undergo any adjustment of antihypertensive and lipid-l owering therapy during observation. The patients underwent 24-hour blood pressure and electrocardiogram monitoring, and a lipid profile evaluation at the initial visit and after 3 months.Results. It was statistically registered a significant decrease in average daily diastolic BP according to ABPM data by 1.8 mmHg. Art. (p=0.03), as well as the average daily heart rate according to HM-ECG data by 1.9 beats per minute (p=0.04) in the main group after 3 months. LDL levels tended to decrease (p=0.07) in the mail group. There were no statistically significant changes in the average daily systolic blood pressure according to ABPM, the number of supraventricular and ventricular heart rhythm disturbances, or the lipid profile (TC, LDL, triglycerides, HDL) in both groups.Conclusion. The dietary supplements containing Omega-3 PUFAs in postmenopausal women significantly reduces the level of daily diastolic blood pressure and daily heart rate without significant effect on lipid profile.