Vascular effects of omega-3 fatty acids: possible therapeutic mechanisms in cardiovascular disease

Dietary consumption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) found in seafood and fish oils is associated with a decrease in coronary heart disease and overall cardiovascular mortality. Omega-3 PUFAs exert a number of physiologic effects, including relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, lowering of blood pressure, interference in phosphatidylinositol signaling, a reduction in platelet aggregation and growth factors, a decrease in atherogenic lipoproteins, a reduction in thrombotic factors, alterations in eicosanoid metabolism, a decrease in platelet and macrophage activating factors, and an increase in thrombolytic substances. These factors may provide a therapeutic means of reducing cardiovascular disease. This article reviews the vascular effects of omega-3 PUFAs and discusses the hypolipidemic, antihypertensive, antiatherosclerotic, antiinflammatory, and antithrombotic actions of the omega-3 PUFAs. Specific nursing implications are addressed.