Omega-3s reduce cardiovascular risk in angioplasty
Angioplasty: reduced heart risks by taking Omega 3
Taking Omega 3 increases the effectiveness of antiplatelet drugs: it reduces the heart and artery risks in patients with a genetic mutation that increases cardiovascular risk in those undergoing balloon angioplasty. This was discovered by a group of researchers from the Jagiellonian University Medical College in Krakow (Poland). The results of their studies were published in the journal Kardiologia Polska1.
Platelets, when coagulation is a problem
Platelets are blood components essential for survival. Thanks to these small elements, the body is able to repair wounds that could otherwise lead to life-threatening blood loss. In some situations, their ability to aggregate to repair tissues can have side effects: this is the case of thrombosis. Platelets are involved in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Atherosclerotic plaques are thickening of the blood vessel walls that hinder blood flow and increase the risk of disorders such as angina pectoris or myocardial infarction. This is a dangerous clinical situation, which worsens both in individuals who have suffered a stroke or heart attack and in those diagnosed with the presence of such plaques. For this reason, patients at high cardiovascular risk need to take antiplatelet drugs, such as aspirin or clopidogrel.
Counteracting clot formation: why Omega-3?
Omega-3 fatty acids from food can counteract clot formation: this has been demonstrated by several studies. This action benefits both healthy individuals and those who have already experienced a cardiovascular disease. Specifically, Omega-3s counteract platelet aggregation and reduce thrombin formation, a protein that promotes coagulation. The Polish researchers wondered if these fatty acids could perform this activity in patients for whom anticoagulants have limited efficacy due to a genetic mutation, focusing on the case of clopidogrel. For the drug to work, it must be modified by the activity of the CYP2C19 protein. However, about 28% of white people have at least one mutated copy of the gene encoding this protein, which prevents proper use of clopidogrel. In patients with this mutation, the drug has limited effectiveness, and as a result, cardiovascular risks are higher.
Angioplasty: safer with fatty acids
The researchers had patients undergoing balloon angioplasty, who were affected by cardiovascular disorders, take a daily combination of aspirin, clopidogrel, and Omega-3. The treatment, continued for 1 month, increased the effectiveness of clopidogrel in patients with the genetic mutation. According to the researchers, this action, combined with the ability to reduce thrombin formation, makes Omega-3s a possible remedy to be administered alongside antiplatelet therapies in patients undergoing balloon angioplasty.
Source:
1. Gajos G, Zalewski J, Nessler J, Zmudka K, Undas A, Piwowarska W, “Polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids improve responsiveness to clopidogrel after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with cytochrome P450 2C19 loss-of-function polymorphism”, Kardiol Pol. 2012;70(5):439-45
