Sunday, August 16, 2009

Finding The Fish Oil Heart Disease Link.

By Peter Bertonich

There is no doubt that increasing your intake of Omega 3 found mainly in fish oil can help prevent some types of heart disease and cardio vascular problems.

None other than the American Heart Association recognizes that and recommends minimum levels of Omega 3 intake for this reason. Specifically the AHA, on their website, say that Omega 3 fatty acids can decrease the risk of arrhythmias, (which can lead to sudden cardiac death), can decrease triglyceride levels and decrease the growth rate of plaque in the arteries. They can also help lower blood pressure. Fish Oil Heart Disease

There is definitely a fish oil heart health link, and that's good news for your heart.

However what about people who already have heart related problems? Is there some link between taking fish oil and heart disease treatment? Or is it just prevention?

The Journal of the American College of Cardiology has just published a study that combines the results of 4 other studies of around 40000 people. This confirms that yes there is a link between more fish oil or Omega 3 fats and treating existing heart problems.

This is recognized by the AHA which actually advises that those with pre existing heart related problems take double the amount of Omega 3 fats as those without pre existing heart problems.

The results are on the website of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and are summarized as:

"Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid therapy continues to show great promise in primary and, particularly in secondary prevention of cardiovascular (CV) diseases. The most compelling evidence for CV benefits of -3 PUFA comes from 4 controlled trials of nearly 40,000 participants randomized to receive eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) with or without docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in studies of patients in primary prevention, after myocardial infarction, and most recently, with heart failure."

So clearly there is a fish oil heart disease link including for the treatment of existing cardio vascular disease.

Anyone with pre existing cardio vascular problems should, however, consult a doctor before starting any supplements.

If you're interested in finding out more about how to find the best Omega 3 supplements I visit my website where I deal with this.

And for the amount to take? The study concludes recommending 500 mg per day for those with normal health, and 800 to 1000 mg per day for those with known cardio vascular issues. But there is no conclusion as to the relative amounts of DHA to EPA.

And the AHA make similar recommendations on their website.

So consider taking fish oil supplements if you're interested in your present and future heart health. Perhaps your life depends on it.

Visit my website to find out more about Omega 3 fatty acid supplements.

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