Effect of Omega 3 Fatty Acids on Vascular Function

University of Edinburgh

Status: Completed

Conditions: Previous Myocardial Infarction

Treatments: Dietary Supplement: Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation; Dietary Supplement: Olive Oil

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT01888211

LREC/2003/8/13

Details and patient eligibility

About

The mechanisms through which omega-3 fatty acids reduce adverse cardiac events remain uncertain. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on endothelial vasomotor function, endogenous fibrinolysis, and platelet and monocyte activation in patients with coronary heart disease.

Full description

Twenty patients with a previous myocardial infarction were recruited into a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation (2g/day for 6-weeks). Peripheral blood was taken for analysis of platelet and monocyte activation, and forearm blood flow was assessed in a subset of 12 patients during intrabrachial infusions of acetylcholine, substance P and sodium nitroprusside. Stimulated plasma tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) concentrations were measured during substance P infusion.

Enrollment: 20 patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Myocardial infarction at least 3 months previously.

Exclusion criteria

• Dietary fish allergy or intolerance
• Women of child bearing potential
• Malignant arrhythmias
• Renal or hepatic failure
• Severe or significant co-morbidity
• Previous history of blood dyscrasia
• Unable to tolerate the supine position
• Lack of informed consent
• Blood donation within last 3 months

Trial design

Primary purpose: Other

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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20 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation

Experimental group

Description:

Omacor 2 grams daily

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation

Olive Oil

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

Olive Oil capsule 2 grams daily

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Olive Oil