Daniel Pella, Daša Dudová-Skripová
Beneficial effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) are probably mediated by their antiarrhythmic, lipid lowering, antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties. More and more n-3 PUFA therapy continues to show a great promise in primary, and particularly in secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The most compelling evidence for cardiovascular protection comes from randomized controlled clinical studies in patients in primary prevention, after myocardial infarction, and most recently also with heart failure. Further studies are needed to determine not only optimal dosing of n-3 PUFA, but also relative ratio of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Indications for use and dosage of alpha linolenic acid (ALA) in specific conditions seem to be even more complicated. Finally, so called omega- 3 index (EPA+DHA as a percent of total erythrocyte membrane fatty acids) and the ratio of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 PUFA) to omega-3 PUFA probably may play very important role in the treatment of atherosclerotic, arrhythmic, and primary myocardial diseases.