![]() |
JOURNAL TOOLS |
eTOC |
To subscribe |
Submit an article |
Recommend to your librarian |
ARTICLE TOOLS |
Reprints |
Permissions |

YOUR ACCOUNT
YOUR ORDERS
SHOPPING BASKET
Items: 0
Total amount: € 0,00
HOW TO ORDER
YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS
YOUR ARTICLES
YOUR EBOOKS
COUPON
ACCESSIBILITY
REVIEW ARTICLES
Panminerva Medica 2003 June;45(2):99-107
Copyright © 2009 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA
language: English
ω-3 polyunsatured fatty acids role in postmyocardial infarction therapy
Imazio M., Forno D., Quaglia C., Trinchero R.
Cardiology Department, Maria Vittoria Hospital, Turin, Italy
Largely initiated by studies among Eskimos in the early 1970s, great attention has been given to possible effects of ω-3 polyunsatured fatty acids (PUFA) in cardiovacular diseases. A series of positive effects on pathogenetic mechanisms of cardiovascular disease has been discovered from laboratory studies in cell cultures, animal models and in humans. ω-3 PUFA can reduce platelets and leucocytes activities as well as plasma triglycerides. Moreover they can have antiarrhythmic properties. Nowadays patients who experienced myocardial infarction have decreased risk of total and cardiovascular mortality by treatment with ω-3 PUFA (1 g daily). This effect is present irrespective of high or low fish intake or simultaneous intake of other drugs for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease. Mainly on the basis of GISSI Prevention trial results, dietary supplementation with ω-3 PUFA is now recommended as a new component of secondary prevention after myocardial infarction in national and international guidelines.