Coronary heart disease describes the disorder in which hardened plaques accumulate within the arteries of the heart, which can result in a heart attack because the plaques interfere with the flow of blood to the heart itself. The plaques are largely formed by LDL cholesterol that sticks to the walls of arteries and hardens there gradually. Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids that lower the cholesterol level and are, therefore, important to heart health.
Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease is the main kind of heart disease in America. Also referred to as coronary artery disease, it can cause a heart attack because cholesterol accumulates within the arteries of the heart, which can eventually block the flow of blood. This accumulation of cholesterol is called a plaque. Sometimes, instead of the directly blocking the blood flow in the spot where it formed, part of the plaque breaks off and blocks the blood flow in a critical organ.
Omega-3
Omega-3s include three fatty acids: alpha linolenic acid, or ALA, docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA. The omega-3 fatty acids are also referred to as essential fatty acids because the body needs them, but can't manufacture them itself.
Omega-3 and Coronary Heart Disease
These vital fatty acids are found in fish, tofu, soy, nuts and canola oil. They are unsaturated fatty acids that can lower the cholesterol level. The omega-3 fatty acids may also improve the symptoms of arthritis, lower blood clots, lower blood pressure, improve the immune system, and lessen inflammation that can damage the blood vessels and result in coronary heart disease. Eating fish at least two times a week can lower your risk of developing heart disease.
Studies of Omega-3
In the November 2002 issue of "Circulation," Penny Kris-Etherton, Ph.D., compiled several studies that showed that eating fish, which contains omega-3, lowered the risk of dying from coronary heart disease. The studies usually involved men, but a Nurses' Health Study involved women and showed similar results. The article also noted that dioxins, PCBs and mercury can contaminate fish. Some--notably PCBs and mercury--can accumulate in the body. Children, pregnant women and breastfeeding women should avoid fish that may be contaminated.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Heart Disease
- "Circulation"; Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Cardiovascular Disease; Penny M. Kris-Etherton, PhD, RD. et al.; 2002
- "Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry"; Robert Murray, M.D., Ph.D., David Bender, Ph.D., Kathleen Botham, Ph.D., et al.; 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Omega-3 in Fish; Dec. 21, 2010
