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Omega-3 fatty acids as heart protection after myocardial infarction

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Omega-3 fatty acids as heart protection after myocardial infarction

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Myocardial infarction

Cardiovascular diseases are very widespread in society and represent one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Having suffered a heart attack obliges one to change one's lifestyle and introduce unsaturated fatty acids into the diet, whose abilities and properties have a positive effect on the heart and its functioning. As our body does not have the capacity to synthesise them on its own, it is necessary to supply them with the food we eat.

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The fats that we supply to our body with food are the most condensed source of energy. They are the environment in which vitamins dissolve. Among the fats provided by the food we eat are polyunsaturated fatty acids, whose specific biological action is demonstrated mainly by two fractions, omega-3 and omega-6. Our body cannot synthesise these substances on its own, due to the lack of enzyme systems capable of introducing double bonds at the n-3 and n-6 positions, but we do have the capacity to convert them. This is the main reason why it is necessary to supply unsaturated fatty acids through the diet [1].

Myocardial infarction can be defined as necrosis of this organ or tissue that is caused by ischaemia - in the case of the heart, the mechanism involves the cessation of normal cell contraction. The longer an artery remains closed, the larger the area of heart muscle dies, and the consequences are more dangerous and serious. The results of a randomised controlled trial looking at the effects of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on post-myocardial infarction status in patients were presented at the American College of Cardiology in San Diego. After observing 2 groups, the first taking a placebo and the second taking 4 grams of the above-mentioned fatty acids 3 times a day for a period of 6 months, conclusions were drawn on the basis of cardiac function tests. In the group taking unsaturated fatty acids, both improvements in cardiac function and signs of less fibrosis were observed. It was therefore hypothesised that taking high doses of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids after myocardial infarction may have a positive effect on myocardial function [2].

The above observations are confirmed by scientific knowledge and other studies - omega-3 and omega-6 acids have active molecules that have the ability to modify a number of intracellular pathways through which signals are transmitted. They have significant effects on mitochondrial function, lipid metabolism, as well as the ability to reduce inflammatory reaction. These properties are the reason why unsaturated fatty acids are used for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular conditions [3].