Current Thoughts on Omega-3

[BillK3]

I am a 52-year old male that had an episode of arterial spasm last summer with no reoccurances.  I had a slightly elevated Tropinin level that indicated that the heart was in stress.  A Cath showed that I am 100% clear re: blockages and an Echo showed no detectable damage to heart muscle/function.  My blood pressure has always been good 120/80 and is now 112/74.  I exercise regularly (aerobic and weights) I am taking a low-dose calcium channel blocker (Diltiazem) daily, with low-dose aspirin and a multivitamin.  My weight is a few pounds above "target" for my height/weight and is dropping due to eating smarter and getting more exercise.  My colesterol levels are considered excellent by my Docs.

My question: what is the Cleveland Clinic's position on Omega-3 for patients with coronary-related health issues?  Are their any risks?  In your opinion, are the stated benefits to heart health real?

My Docs (GP and Cardio) say it's OK for me to take Omega-3, and I started this week with 2 grams per day.  But, it would be great to know what you folks think about Omega-3 benefits/risks.

[Forum-M.D.-bkj]

Bill,

thanks for the post.

what is the Cleveland Clinic's position on Omega-3 for patients with coronary-related health issues?

We generally think fairly positive on the overall benefits. There are studies supporting their overall benefit in patients with established heart disease. I personally don't recommend them first line as I try to focus on aggressive risk factor modification.


Are their any risks?

There are some risk associated with excessive pollutants in seafood and also impurities in dietary supplements. Overall, the risk from the omega-3s themselves are pretty low.

In your opinion, are the stated benefits to heart health real?

I think so. However, as I mentioned in my higher risk patients I really try to maximize standard therapies before adding on some of the more controversial things in order to increase compliance.

good luck

[BillK3]

Thanks for your response!

Regarding the quality of Omega-3 I am taking, I know that Consumer Reports did an evaluation of popular brands of Omega-3, but I've yet find that article.  My Omega-3 was purchased at Sam's.  Do any of the forum members have any info on this front?

[Flycaster305]

Omega-3 supplements were suggested to me by my Cardiologist, but he suggested Omacor, a prescription-only brand.  He was impressed with the quality of the oils, as they were processed and filtered very carefully.  However, they are very expensive.  A little googling of the subject led me to believe that a lot of the Omega-3 over the counter products are derived from the carcasses of 'farmed' salmon.  These fish are far-different nuitritionally than their free-swimming counterparts.  Farmed salmon have to have the pink color artificially induced, their flesh contains many contaminants because of their confined nature and the food they are fed.  I was a commercial salmon fisherman as a young man, and can attest to the fact that fillets of free-swimming salmon are far superior to farm-raised salmon.  My point is that over-the-counter Omega-3 products may or may not be healthy, as the source statement of the product isn't regulated.  I choose to try and eat Ocean-caught salmon twice a week for my Omega-3 heart fix.  

[Carolina03]

Hello,

My cardio from Mayo recommended fish oil, the highest dosage possible found at Walgreens. If you can afford it, he also recommended Omacor and wrote a prescription for it.

Fish oil benefits all of your blood vessels, including the ones in your brain. The benefits seem obvious.

In addition to your exercise routine, you may want to consider practicing the focus, visualization and relaxation response elicited by yoga, meditation or prayer.

Best,
C

PS I had my first severe artery spasm a few weeks ago. Did the ER give you anything else besides nitro? Thanks.

[BillK3]

I have practiced yoga and a little meditation.  I'd like to do more.

In the ER, I got Nitro and a dose of Beta Blockers, I think that's it.

What is the Walgreen's Omega-3 like?  Is it high-quality stuff?

What was your arterial spasm experience like?

[anacyde]

Thank you for the Omega-3 post!  I did some reading for my husband, and found some very encouraging information on the topic.  We're doing all we can, and he has just added the Omega-3 supplement to a routine which includes regular exercise, trans and saturated fat avoidance and Niacin.  

[BillK3]

anacyde: You are welcome.  Best of luck with your Husband's treatment.

I'd like to know more about different brands of Omega-3, their quality, etc if anyone on this forum can provide insight on those topics.

[nosa47]

The following is an excerpt from an article found on one website which recommended many brands as safe including the brands sold at Sam's club (Membersmark?) and Walmart (Rexall.)  I use the Rexall 1200 mg two pills one in the a.m. with breakfast and one with dinner.  I keep it in the refrigerator.  Whether the more expensive prescription brand is better is anyone's guss.  I did not show the website address so as not to possibly violate the posting rules.  Hope this helps.  

"Fish Oil Supplements: Is The Brand You're Taking Safe?  

The public is increasingly turning to fish oil supplements as a source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. But which major U.S. producers of fish oil supplements purify their products to reduce or remove contaminants like mercury and dioxins?

Environmental Defense solicited information from 75 companies (more details on the criteria we used to evaluate companies and our results). Their responses indicate that the majority are purifying their fish oils to meet stringent safety standards. (More on seafood and health.)"

[BillK3]

Thanks!

Your post is truncated, so I did a search on some of the text in the article and found the site.  I'll check it out.  Thanks again!!