There are two different types of cholesterol -- LDL and HDL. Bad cholesterol is also known as low-density lipoprotein, or LDL. Good cholesterol is also known as high-density lipoprotein, or HDL. Decreases in LDL and increases in HDL are associated with positive cardiovascular outcomes. Fish oil provides positive benefits to cardiovascular health, but doesn’t appear to lower LDL. Its positive cardiovascular benefits arise from other effects.
HDL and LDL
Not all lipoproteins are created equal. HDL cholesterol helps decrease the amount of fat circulating in your blood. HDL latches on to cholesterol molecules and moves them to your liver, which breaks them down and prepares them for excretion. LDL cholesterol is deposited in blood vessel walls, where it forms plaques that narrow the interior of your blood vessels and can block blood flow.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is a source of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are essential, which means that your body requires them but cannot synthesize them on its own. Omega-3 fatty acids are used to reduce the risk of heart disease. The mechanism by which these nutrients achieve this doesn’t involve HDL or LDL, but rather triglycerides. Triglycerides are fat particles that circulate in your bloodstream. If your triglyceride levels are too high, you are at increased risk of heart disease and stroke. According to “American Family Physician,” studies have produced conflicting results regarding the effects of fish oil on HDL and LDL levels. More research is needed to determine whether fish oil affects HDL and LDL in beneficial ways.
Other Cardiac Effects
The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have been associated with a 45 percent reduced risk of sudden death in those with coronary heart disease, according to “American Family Physician.” Omega-3 fatty acids also have been found to reduce blood pressure in those with hypertension. Cardiovascular disease is associated with chronic inflammation. It is believed that many of fish oil’s positive effects are due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Considerations
Fish oil is sold over the counter in capsule form. Doctors sometimes recommend it as an adjunct to dietary plans designed to decrease triglyceride levels. If you have no history of heart disease, you can reap the benefits of fish oil simply by eating fish twice weekly. If you have coronary heart disease, you are advised to consume 1 gram of fish oil daily. It may take larger dosages of 2 to 4 grams daily to lower serum triglycerides, but these dosages should not be taken unless under a doctor's orders, as high dosages of fish oil can cause bleeding. Consult your doctor before taking fish oil supplements.
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