Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Humans

Omega fatty acids play a role in lipoprotein metabolism. Dietary low fat intake or omega-3 fatty acid supplementation is the key to lowering blood lipids for keeping dyslipidemia in control and preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Dyslipidemia or abnormal blood lipids is a condition of elevated cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, or low levels of high-density lipoproteins leading to hypercholesterolemia with risk of CVD, such as atherosclerosis. The status of dyslipidemia changes in different age groups and ethnicities with different life styles. Recent clinical trials show clear benefits of omega-3 fatty acid therapy in the management of dyslipidemia and in reducing cardiac injury. The major biochemical mechanisms of lipid lowering by omega fatty acids are maintenance of low triglyceride levels, low synthesis of VLDL, high clearance of triglycerides, modulation of enzyme, and regulation of fatty acid beta-oxidation, in order to prevent a person from CHD/CVD risk by suppressed platelet aggregation, low cardiac arrhythmia, and reduced atherosclerosis plaque formation.