Reducing CVD risk
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (O3-PUFAs) have been attributed to the maintenance of heart health.Omega-3 EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic) acid, in the form of ethyl esters, are of particular interest in cardiovascular disease and specifically for post myocardial infarction patients.
The landmark GISSI-P study (1999) of patients who had suffered recent myocardial infarction found that dietary supplementation with 1g/day containing 850mg-882mg EPA and DHA as ethyl esters in a 1.2:1 ratio led to clinically significant decreases in the risk of:
• Overall and cardiovascular death;
• Non-fatal myocardial infarction; and
• Stroke.
The GISSI-P and GISSI-HF trials confirmed the safety of omega-3 ethyl ester treatment as an adjunct to the multi-agent therapy that is characteristic of modern CVD management.
Treating patients who have survived a cardiac event or who have established CVD can be fraught with compliance issues, due to polypharmacy concerns.
GPs can reassure patients:
• About the clinically proven health benefits of omega-3 ethyl esters containing EPA and DHA for post myocardial infarction patients;
• That a simple and safe treatment with O3-PUFAs in addition to other standard therapy (antiplatelet agents, statins, beta-blockers, ACE-Is) and in the context of usual care, provides a beneficial advantage in treating CVD.