Cardiovascular Disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. An estimated 81 million American adults (more than one in three) have one or more types of cardiovascular disease and almost half are women according to the American Heart Association (AHA). The AHA estimates that the direct and indirect cost of cardiovascular disease and strokes in 2010 will be over $500 billion.
Prevention of heart disease begins with healthy choices. You can help to reduce the risks of heart disease by following a healthy lifestyle that includes maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular physical exercise and plenty of fruits and vegetables, avoiding smoking, and taking in a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids.
According to the AHA, omega-3 fatty acids benefit the heart of healthy people and those at high risk of (or who have) cardiovascular disease. Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids decrease risk of arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats) that can lead to sudden death, decrease triglyceride levels, slow growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque, and lower blood pressure (slightly).
Evidence from prospective secondary prevention studies suggests that taking EPA+DHA (key beneficial ranging from 0.5 to 1.8 grams per day (either as fatty fish or supplements) significantly reduces deaths from heart disease and all causes.
Increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake through foods is preferable. The American Heart Association recommends getting omega-3s by eating fatty fish (such as anchovies, carp, halibut, salmon, and albacore tuna) at least twice a week. Achieving the desired level of omega-3s by diet alone can be challenging, especially with concerns over contaminated fish (especially for coronary artery disease patients), fish oil supplements can help.
Randomized clinical trials have shown that omega-3 fatty acid supplements can reduce cardiovascular events (death, non-fatal heart attacks, non-fatal strokes). They can also slow the progression of atherosclerosis in coronary patients. The World Health Organization recommends consuming 0.3-0.5 grams of daily EPA + DHA for healthy adults over 18 years of age with no history of heart disease. A doctor and pharmacist should be consulted to determine appropriate doses for those with heart conditions and higher risk of heart disease.
While many of us are aware of the benefits of fish oil consumption, less are aware of the importance of taking a high quality fish oil. The availability of high-quality omega-3 fatty acid supplements, free of contaminants, is an important prerequisite to their use. High quality fish oil manufacturers will adhere to strict standards regarding freshness as well as maximum allowances of heavy metals, dioxins and PCBs.
What to look for when purchasing fish oil:
* Investigate the manufacturing process. How is the fish oil manufactured, and what are the manufacturing standards?
* Smell. Does the fish oil smell fishy? If it smells fishy, the fish oil has most likely been exposed to oxygen and is becoming rancid.
* Taste. Does the fish oil taste fishy? The freshest fish oils should not taste fishy. Avoid fish oils that have really strong fruit flavor added to them because they are most likely trying to hide the fishy flavor of rancid oil.
If, when taking your supplements, you are having a problem with fish oil repeating (fishy burps) try refridgerating the capsule – it allows the fish oil to get further into your digestive tract before dissolving, taking with food or in the evening, or complementing with a probiotic.
Our Coastal Pharmacy & Wellness staff can help you select high quality fish oils. Contact us to learn more about the appropriate supplements for you.
You can also visit the American Heart Association website for more great information.
(These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.)