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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2007

Erik B Schmidt ,
Helle A Skou ,
Jeppe H Christensen  and
Jørn Dyerberg
Erik B Schmidt*
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, Hjørring/Brønderslev Hospital, DK-9800, Hjørring, Denmark.
Helle A Skou
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, Hjørring/Brønderslev Hospital, DK-9800, Hjørring, Denmark.
Jeppe H Christensen
Affiliation:
Department of Nephrology, Aalborg Hospital, DK-9800, Aalborg, Denmark
Jørn Dyerberg
Affiliation:
Department of Medi-Lab A/S, DK1001, Copenhagen, Denmark.
*
*Corresponding author: Email ebs@dadlnet.dk
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Abstract

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Objective

To 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).

Design

Overview of the literature.

Setting

Denmark.

Results

There is good evidence that fish consumption may reduce the risk of CAD.

Conclusions

Fish 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.

Keywords

n-3 fatty acidsFish oilCoronary heart diseaseSudden cardiac deathPublic health
Type
Research Article
Information
Public Health Nutrition , Volume 3 , Issue 1 , March 2000 , pp. 91 - 98
Copyright
Copyright © CABI Publishing 2000

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