People taking statins to reduce cholesterol levels may also benefit from omega-3 supplements, says a new study which found blood pressure and arterial improvements for the fish oil users. Data published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases indicated that 4 grams per day of omega3 fatty acids for eight weeks were associated with improvements in arterial elasticity, as reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. To test if omega3 supplementation may help, the researchers recruited 20 adults with FH who were already receiving statins. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either 4 grams per day of the Omacor product (which delivers EPA and DHA in the ethyl ester form) or no supplements for eight weeks. After a further eight week ‘washout’ period the participants were crossed over to the other group.
Results showed statistically significant improvements following omega3 supplementation for large artery elasticity (9% increase), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (6% reductions for both measures), triglycerides levels (20% reduction), and apoB levels (8% decrease). Apo B or Apolipoprotein B is the main apolipoprotein of LDL cholesterol that is responsible for the transport of cholesterol to tissues.