Americans consume fish oil for a variety of cardiovascular benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained from both fatty fish and daily fish oil supplements. The supplements are available without a prescription at most grocery and drugstores. However, it is important to not take fish oil supplements unless it is approved by a health care provider. Fish oil may cause a variety of medication interactions as well as other negative side effects.
Cardiovascular Benefits
Omega-3 essential fatty acids are considered a blood thinner. The fatty acids cause blood platelets to become less active and decrease the formation of blood clots. Blood clots commonly cause heart attacks and strokes. Fish oil can reduce plaque buildup and decrease hardening of the arteries, which lead to coronary heart disease. Fish oil slightly decreases blood pressure by widening arteries and increasing blood flow. Minor side effects of decreased blood clotting can include a bloody nose, bleeding gums and bruised skin.
Triglycerides and Cholesterol Levels
Fish oil naturally decreases the amount of triglycerides, or fatty substances, circulating in your blood. High levels of triglycerides may lead to heart disease and other cardiovascular complications. MedlinePlus reports that taking fish oil capsules may reduce your triglyceride levels by as much as 50 percent. You should be under the direct care of a health profession when taking more than a 3-g dose of fish oil daily. Blood screening on a regular basis is ideal to determine If the supplement is effective.
Contraindications
If you have an implanted defibrillator, fish oil may cause your heart rhythm to increase to dangerous, abnormal levels, advises MedlinePlus. Patients who suffer from angina pain should avoid this supplement as it may actually increase their risk of a heart attack, reports Harvard Health Publications. Certain medications, such as anticoagulants, antiplatelet and antihypertensive drugs, should be taken with caution when consumed with fish oil since it can increase the risk of excess bleeding as well increase the effects of blood pressure medications.
Doses
American who do not have a history of heart problems or heart disease may get enough omega-3 fatty acids by simply eating fatty fish twice a week. The American Heart Association suggests that healthy adults eat about 3.5 oz. of cooked fish twice a week. Opt for fatty fish caught in the wild. Farm-raised fish often is lower in omega-3 fatty acids because they do not feed on algae. Choose fish such as Atlantic herring, salmon and mackerel. If you suffering from coronary heart disease, about 1 g of fish oil is recommended daily by the American Heart Association. Each serving of fatty fish contains about 1 g of fish oil. However, add a supplement into the mix if eating fish daily is not possible. Individuals with high triglyceride levels should increase fish oil intake to between 2 and 4 g daily, recommends the American Heart Association, but always discuss taking a large dose with your physician.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center:Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- American Heart Association: Fish 101
- ConsumerLabs.com: Report on Vitamin & Supplement Users Published, Including Brands and Merchants Top-rated for Consumer Satisfaction
- MedlinePlus: Fish and Fish Oil: Good For Most Folks, But Not All
- Harvard Health Publications:
Member Comments