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Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Cardiovascular Outcomes: Insights From Recent Clinical Trials

  • Coronary Heart Disease (S. Virani and S. Naderi, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Atherosclerosis Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FA) are among the most well-recognized health supplements but their cardiovascular benefits have long been controversial owing to inconsistent results from previous cardiovascular outcomes trials (CVOT). In this article, we provide a short review of existing literature followed by recent randomized clinical trial data, with a discussion of the potential clinical implications of these new findings.

Recent Findings

Data from the randomized, controlled trial REDUCE-IT, when viewed within the context of other recently published trials ASCEND and VITAL, add to a growing body of evidence on the use of ω-3 FA therapies in the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

Summary

Given the different formulations, dosages, and patient populations studied, CVOTs of ω-3 FA have provided valuable insight into the use of these agents in cardioprotection. Current data suggest that higher dosages of pure eicosapentaenoic acid ω-3 FA formulations provide additional benefit in reduction of ASCVD events.

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Correspondence to Salim S. Virani.

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Xiaoming Jia, Payal Kohli, Salim S. Virani declare no conflict of interest.

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Jia, X., Kohli, P. & Virani, S.S. Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Cardiovascular Outcomes: Insights From Recent Clinical Trials. Curr Atheroscler Rep 21, 1 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-019-0763-0

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