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Research: MARTINEZ-QUINTANA and COLLEAGUES,
Listed in Issue 194
Abstract
MARTINEZ-QUINTANA and COLLEAGUES, Servicio de Cardiologia, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular-Materno infantil, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Espana. efrenmartinezquintana@yahoo.es evaluated the clinical effects of omega-3 fatty acids in patients with coronary heart disease.
Background
The consumption of fish has been associated with a minor risk of cardiovascular mortality.
Methodology
Thirty-one patients with clinical and angiographic evidence of coronary illness and no data of heart failure were followed up. One gram per day of omega-3-acid ethyl esters was added to their usual cardiologic treatment. Demographic, clinical and analytical data (lipid, ESR, CRP, lipoprotein[a], fibrinogen, and BNP levels) were evaluated at the beginning and at 9 months.
Results
Six patients had cardiologic events in the follow up although none presented acute coronary syndrome. Significant differences were seen in HDL cholesterol (mg/dL) (38,5[9,6] vs. 42,1 (11,0), p=0,000), hemoglobin (g/dL) (13,2 [1,7] vs. 13,9 (1,7), p=0,009) and pro-BNP (pg/dL) (745,5 [1,035,7] vs. 235,8 [194,0], p=0,008) levels. No significant differences existed either in the inflammatory parameters or in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Conclusion
One gram day of omega-3-acid ethyl esters added to the usual cardiologic treatment in patients with coronary heart disease improves pro BNP levels of patients with preserved left ventricular function without modifying serum inflammatory parameters.
References
Martinez-Quintana E, Rodriguez-Gonzalez F, Torres-Fuentes E, Lopez-Rios L and Nieto-Lago V. [Effect of omega-3 acids on clinical evolution, plasma inflammatory biomarkers and B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with coronary heart disease]. [Spanish] Medicina Clinica. 136(13): 574-7 May 14 2011.