Abstract
Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) affect a wide variety of physiological processes. Much attention has been given to the n-3 PUFAs and their role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, stemming from evidence obtained through a number of epidemiological studies and clinical trials. Investigators are now focused on elucidating the pathways and mechanisms for the biological action of n-3 PUFAs. Dietary intervention is recognized as a key measure in patient therapy and in the maintenance of human health in general. This review provides a summary of several important clinical trials, and while the exact modes of action of n-3 PUFA are not known, current viewpoints regarding the mechanisms of these fatty acids on atherosclerosis, circulating lipid profile, cell membranes, cell proliferation, platelet aggregation and cardiac arrhythmias are discussed.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 164-172 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Experimental and Clinical Cardiology |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 4 |
State | Published - Dec 1 2003 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Arrhythmias
- Atherosclerosis
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diet
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
- Physiology (medical)