Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 11, 2026

Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial Function: A Technical Guideline of the Flow-mediated Dilation Test
06:35

Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial Function: A Technical Guideline of the Flow-mediated Dilation Test

Published on: April 27, 2016

18.9K

Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation improves endothelial function and arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients

Marcela A Casanova1, Fernanda Medeiros2, Michelle Trindade1

  • 1Department of Clinical Medicine, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Journal of the American Society of Hypertension : JASH
|November 24, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Omega-3 fatty acids improved vascular aging in high-risk patients with hypertriglyceridemia by enhancing endothelial function and reducing arterial stiffness. Ciprofibrate lowered blood pressure in low-risk patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • The association between hypertriglyceridemia and cardiovascular disease remains debated.
  • Hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia are significant risk factors for cardiovascular events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effects of omega-3 fatty acids and ciprofibrate on vascular structure and function.
  • To evaluate these effects in hypertensive patients with hypertriglyceridemia stratified by cardiovascular risk.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized trial involving 29 hypertensive adults with hypertriglyceridemia (triglycerides 150-499 mg/dL).
  • Participants were divided into low (<7.5%) and high (≥7.5%) cardiovascular risk groups.
  • Intervention involved 12 weeks of omega-3 fatty acids (1800 mg/d) or ciprofibrate (100 mg/d), followed by an 8-week washout and cross-over.

Main Results:

  • Ciprofibrate significantly decreased peripheral and aortic systolic blood pressure in low-risk patients.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids significantly reduced pulse wave velocity (arterial stiffness) and increased flow-mediated dilation (endothelial function) in high-risk patients.

Conclusions:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids demonstrate a beneficial effect on vascular aging, specifically improving arterial stiffness and endothelial function in high-risk hypertensive patients with hypertriglyceridemia.
  • Ciprofibrate effectively reduced blood pressure in low-risk hypertensive patients with hypertriglyceridemia.

Keywords:
Ciprofibratearterial stiffnesscardiovascular riskhypertensionhypertriglyceridemiaomega-3 fatty acids

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Assessing the Cardiovascular Profile of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome06:04

Author Spotlight: Assessing the Cardiovascular Profile of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Published on: September 27, 2024

1.6K
Using En Face Immunofluorescence Staining to Observe Vascular Endothelial Cells Directly06:09

Using En Face Immunofluorescence Staining to Observe Vascular Endothelial Cells Directly

Published on: August 20, 2019

17.2K

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
541
Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications01:28

Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications

Multiple classes of antihypertensive medications are employed in treating hypertension. The most commonly recommended first-line treatments include:Thiazide Diuretics, such as chlorthalidone, increase sodium and water excretion from the body, reducing blood volume and blood pressure.Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, like lisinopril, block the conversion of angiotensin I to II, a potent vasoconstrictor lowering blood pressure.Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) prevent angiotensin II...
800
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology01:29

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
1.3K
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
4.6K
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
690
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:27

Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by narrowed arteries that diminish blood flow to the extremities. Effective management of PAD requires an interprofessional approach involving various healthcare professionals. The critical aspects of interprofessional care for PAD patients focus on risk factor modification, drug therapy, exercise therapy, nutrition therapy, critical limb ischemia care, and interventional radiology and surgical procedures.The primary treatment goal for PAD...
486