The U.S. National Institutes of Health reports mixed results from studies on the effectiveness and safety of fish oil and preventing strokes. Some studies showed that fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, had a beneficial impact on the risk of ischemic or thrombotic strokes. Other studies found that very high doses of fish oil may increase the risk of hemorrhagic strokes. More studies are needed to determine if fish oil should be used by people who have a history of stroke or are at risk of a stroke, and how fish oil works as compared to other treatments.
Strokes
Strokes occur when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted or when a blood vessel ruptures in the brain. As a result, brain cells are damaged or die when they no longer receive the oxygen and nutrients provided by their usual blood supply. According to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, symptoms of a stroke can include the sudden onset of numbness or weakness (usually on one side of the body), difficulty speaking or understanding speech, trouble seeing, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, or a severe headache.
Ischemic Strokes
According to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, ischemic strokes make up about 80 percent of all strokes. Ischemic strokes occur when an artery supplying blood to the brain becomes blocked. If the blockage is caused by a blood clot, the resulting stroke is called an embolic stroke. If the blockage is caused by a narrowing of the arteries due to plaque build-up, the resulting stroke is called a thrombotic stroke.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
According to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a hemorrhagic stroke occurs when an artery in the brain ruptures and blood spreads into the surrounding brain tissue. These ruptures interrupt the blood supply to other areas of the brain and disrupt the ability of neurons to function. The rupture can be caused by a weak spot on an artery wall, when an arterial wall breaks open because of plaque build-up. Hemorrhagic strokes make up about 20 percent of all strokes.
Reducing Risk of Stroke
Fish oil has been show to help address some of the risk factors of stroke. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, fish oil has been shown to reduce high blood pressure, the most significant risk factor for stroke. It has also been shown to reduce triglycerides, which can contribute to plaque build-up in arteries. The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine also reports that consuming fish oil may slow down hardening of arteries.
Side Effects
The U.S. National Institutes of Health found that common side effects from fish oil include nausea, burping, acid reflux, heartburn, indigestion, abdominal bloating and pain, diarrhea, a fishy aftertaste, and skin rashes. Patients can minimize side effects by taking fish oils with meals and starting with low doses that are gradually increased.
Risks
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved fish oil as a GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) supplement. However, as with all medications and supplements, there are a number of risks associated with fish oil. The risk that affects stroke patients, or potential stroke patients, has to do with fish oil's effect on blood.
The U.S. National Institutes of Health reports that fish oil can affect bleeding and clotting time, which is of particular concern for stroke patients and patients about to undergo surgical procedures. This can be especially problematic for patients taking aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners"), anti-platelet drugs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Fish oil can affect bleeding time if you are taking other supplements, including Ginkgo biloba, garlic and saw palmetto. Fish oil can increase chances of hemorrhagic stroke if taken in large quantities.
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