Omega-3 Holds New Benefits for the Heart

ENGLAND--Omega-3 fatty acid, a polyunsaturated fat found in fish oil, hasproven to benefit cardiovascular health over the years. In a recent study, fishoil supplements were shown to help with artery dilation in people with highcholesterol. Artery dilation depends on the proper functioning of theendothelium, which is the artery wall lining. High cholesterol may affect theendothelium, leading to constriction in the coronary arteries and a reduction ofblood flow.

In a study of 30 subjects with high cholesterol, patients took either a fishoil supplement or a placebo. At the end of four months, endothelial function hadimproved. It was shown that artery dilation more than doubled in the grouptaking the fish oil supplements. However, overall cholesterol levels remainedthe same.

Although this study may be "promising," the American HeartAssociation (AHA) will not endorse fish oil pills to treat high cholesterol.