Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (Fish Oil) Supplementation and the Prevention of Clinical Cardiovascular Disease
Published: March 13, 2017
- Multiple randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) have assessed the effects of supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (n-3 PUFAs, commonly termed “fish oils”) on the occurrence of clinical cardiovascular diseases.
- While the effects of supplementation for the primary prevention of clinical cardiovascular events in the general population have not been examined, RCTs have assessed the role of supplementation in secondary prevention among patients with diabetes and pre-diabetes, patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and those with prevalent coronary heart disease (CHD).
- This Advisory updates prior recommendations for patients with prevalent CHD, and offers suggestions for patients with other clinical indications, when data are available, including patients with diabetes and pre-diabetes, high risk of CVD, stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation.
Fish Oil Supplementation for the Prevention of Clinical CV Events
David Siscovick, MD, MPH, chair of the writing group, announces the publication of a new American Heart Association Advisory on the use of fish oil supplementation for the prevention of clinical cardiovascular events.
Supporting Materials
- Commentary: Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplements – Taking Stock and Awaiting Vital New Studies by Kenneth J. Mukamal, MD, MPH, MA
- Top Things to Know: Top Things to Know
- AHA News: Fish oil supplements provide some benefit after heart attack, heart failure
- News Release: Fish oil supplements may help prevent death after a heart attack but lack evidence of cardiovascular benefit for the general population