Abstract
Fatty acids derived from fish oil are long-chain omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty
acids. The important polyunsaturated fatty acids of fish oil are eicosapentaenoic
acid, and docosahexaenoic acid. For decades, there has been a debate about the use
of omega-3 fatty acids and their benefits on cardiovascular health. The more recent
trials including the JELIS, VITAL, STRENGTH, and ASCEND trials, addressed the paucity
of data of omega-3 fatty acids on primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular
events and the risk-benefit balance of these supplements. Prior to these studies,
many large randomized controlled trials have shown conflicting results on the effect
of polyunsaturated fatty acids in patients with prior coronary artery disease, stroke,
or major vascular events. These inconsistent results warrant a better understanding
of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the subtypes of cardiovascular diseases,
and their use in primary and secondary prevention. More recently, icosapent ethyl
showed a significant reduction in cardiovascular mortality and ischemic events in
patients with elevated triglyceride (TG) and established cardiovascular disease or
diabetes. The REDUCE-IT trial paved the way to further reduce cardiovascular risk
in patients with high TG despite being on a maximally tolerated statin. The aim of
this review is to discuss these recent updates on the use of various forms of fish
oil, including prescription form and supplement in cardiometabolic diseases, and their
surrounding controversies.
Keywords
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: May 08, 2019
Footnotes
Funding: None.
Conflict of Interest: None.
Authorship: All authors had access to the data and a role in writing this manuscript.
Identification
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© 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
