734 Canadian Family Physician • Le Médecin de famille canadien VOL 52: JUNE • JUIN 2006 CME

Omega-3 fatty acids Their benefi cial role in cardiovascular health Gerry Schwalfenberg, MD, CCFP This article has been peer reviewed. Cet article a fait l’objet d’une révision par des pairs. Can Fam Physician 2006;52:734-740. OBJECTIVE To examine evidence for the role of omega-3 fatty acids in cardiovascular disease. QUALITY OF EVIDENCE PubMed was searched for articles on the role of omega-3 fatty acids in cardiovascular disease. Level I and II evidence indicates that omega-3 fatty acids are benefi cial in improving cardiovascular outcomes. MAIN MESSAGE Dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids has declined by 80 % during the last 100 years, while intake of omega-6 fatty acids has greatly increased. Omega-3 fatty acids are cardioprotective mainly due to benefi cial effects on arrhythmias, atherosclerosis, infl ammation, and thrombosis. There is also evidence that they improve endothelial function, lower blood pressure, and signifi cantly lowe