Program Overview
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in the United States. Dyslipidemia, estimated to be present in more than a third of Americans, has been identified as a primary risk factor in the development of CVD. A number of medications are available to treat dyslipidemia, most notably the antihypercholesterolemic statins. However, despite the use of statins, CVD risk associated with dyslipidemias persists. Epidemiologic evidence has long suggested that the consumption of fish can reduce the risk for CVD. Subsequent research identified the source of this benefit as eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (EPA and DHA), 2 omega-3 fatty acids found at high concentrations in fish. As a result, the American Heart Association recommends that individuals with documented CVD consume 1 gram of EPA/DHA per day, preferably from fatty fish such as mackerel, albacore tuna, and salmon. According to these guidelines, patients who need to lower their level of serum triglycerides should consume 2-4 grams of EPA/DHA per day, sourced from capsules, under the guidance of a physician. These levels of EPA/DHA are often difficult to achieve through diet alone due to factors such as preference for and the cost, availability, and quality of fish. EPA/DHA is also available from a large number of over-the-counter fish oil-based dietary supplements.
However, these supplements can vary greatly in quality and purity, and often do not provide adequate levels of EPA/DHA at the recommended doses. Prescription omega-3-acid ethyl esters (P-OM3), a formulation of purified and concentrated fish oil, is available by prescription that provides a consistent and adequate dose of EPA/DHA. This program will review the evidence for the health benefits of fish consumption, evaluate the role of supplements in the prevention and treatment of medical disorders, and discuss the use of P-OM3 for normalizing lipid profiles.