Omega-3 fatty acids for coronary artery disease
Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement
Record ID 32006000810
English
Authors' objectives:
The aim of this report is to assess the use of omega-3 fatty acids for coronary artery disease.
Authors' recommendations:
With regard to omega-3 fatty acids for coronary artery disease, the ICSI Technology Assessment Committee finds the following:
1. Omega-3 fatty acids are generally safe, with side effects being uncommon and usually mild (e.g., fishy taste in mouth and stomach upset).
2. For individuals without known coronary heart disease (primary prevention), the evidence supports the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids, especially those from fish oil (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexanoic acid (DHA)). The 2003 American Heart Association's recommendation of two fish servings (about 100 grams or 4 ounces of fish per serving) per week, especially fatty fish (e.g., red tuna, salmon, herring, or mackerel) is reasonable for a healthy diet and may confer some or most of the suggested benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in reducing the risk of cardiac events, especially sudden cardiac death. For those not able or unwilling to eat fish, supplementation with fish oil may be indicated. (Conclusion Grade II)
3. In patients with coronary heart disease (secondary prevention), dietary supplements of omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to be efficacious in terms of reducing the risk of all-cause mortality and sudden cardiac death in patients without significant left ventricular dysfunction (NYHA class III or IV congestive heart failure). Although the optimal dose of omega-3 fatty acids is not clearly known, a large randomized controlled trial suggested a daily supplement of 900 mg omega-3 fatty acids (EPA + DHA) as an efficacious dose. (Conclusion Grade I)
Authors' methods:
Review
Details
Project Status:
Completed
URL for project:
http://www.icsi.org/knowledge/detail.asp?catID=107&itemID=2483
Year Published:
2006
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
United States
MeSH Terms
- alpha-Linolenic Acid
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Docosahexaenoic Acids
- Eicosapentaenoic Acid
- Fatty Acids, Omega-3
Contact
Organisation Name:
Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement
Contact Address:
8009 34th Avenue South, Suite 1200, Bloomington, MN, USA. Tel: +1 952 814 7060; Fax: +1 952 858 9675
Contact Name:
icsi.info@icsi.org
Contact Email:
icsi.info@icsi.org
Copyright:
Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.