Author
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ERKKILA, ARJA - UNIV OF KUOPIO, FINLAND |
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LICHTENSTEIN, ALICE - TUFTS/HNRCA |
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Submitted to: International Atherosclerosis Society
Publication Type: Review Article Publication Acceptance Date: 11/1/2004 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Intakes of fish and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids) have been of considerable interest for some time due to their effects on heart disease risk reduction. The relationship between fish consumption and progression of coronary atherosclerosis was examined in postmenopausal women with established heart disease. Their usual fish intake was estimated using a food frequency questionnaire at the beginning of the study. The actual degree of coronary artery atherosclerosis was measured by quantitative angiography at baseline and again three years later. Compared with women who had lower fish intakes, women who consumed at least two servings of fish weekly had significantly less lesion progression in coronary arteries during the 3 year follow up period. Consumption of these fatty types of fish at least once per week was associated with reduced rates of progression. Other types of fish, mainly white fish, which are low in omega-3 fatty acids, were not significantly associated with progression of atherosclerosis. Whether the lack of an effect with other fish was due to the low omega-3 fatty acid content or other confounding factors, for example, the tendency of these types of fish to be fried in hydrogenated fat has yet to be determined. This report provides further credence to the recommendation to increase fish consumption by showing that fish intake, especially tuna and dark meat fish, is associated with lower rates of atherosclerosis progression in postmenopausal women with established CHD. |