American Heart Association News Stories
American Heart Association News covers heart disease, stroke and related health issues. Not all views expressed in American Heart Association News stories reflect the official position of the American Heart Association.
Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. Permission is granted, at no cost and without need for further request, for individuals, media outlets, and non-commercial education and awareness efforts to link to, quote, excerpt or reprint from these stories in any medium as long as no text is altered and proper attribution is made to American Heart Association News.
Other uses, including educational products or services sold for profit, must comply with the American Heart Associations Copyright Permission Guidelines. See full terms of use. These stories may not be used to promote or endorse a commercial product or service.
HEALTH CARE DISCLAIMER: This site and its services do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. If you are in the United States and experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or call for emergency medical help immediately.
Modify Your Eating Habits
A great way to lower your cholesterol naturally is to start by replacing unhealthy fats with healthy fats .
This means becoming a food label reader, says Dr. Cho. Its important to limit your saturated fat intake.;There should be no more than 2 grams of fat per serving and it should account for less than 7% of your daily calorie intake.;
Saturated fats are most often found in palm oil and coconut oil, along with animal products like beef, pork, chicken skin, hot dogs and regular cheese.
Fish Oil Supplements: Heart
About 145 million Americans use nutritional supplements each yearthats almost one-half of the population. One of the most common is fish oil. They annually generate $1.2 billion in sales, according to Nutrition Business Journal. Manufacturers claim that these fish oil can lower your risk of cardiovascular diseases, improve immunity, and boost athletic performance. But what does the science say? In this article, the research of the effects of fish oil supplements on key health indicators in your bodyespecially triglycerides, cholesterol, and testosteronewill be critically evaluated.;
You May Like: How Much Cholesterol In Feta Cheese
Side Effects Of Nonprescription Omega
The FDA doesn’t regulate supplements as closely as prescriptions. So the amount of omega-3s listed on the label may be higher than what you actually get. In addition, supplements may not be pure omega-3s and may contain other ingredients or contaminants.
Nonprescription omega-3 fatty acid supplements may cause mild side effects, such as:
- Fishy burps or taste in the mouth
Harvard School of Public Health: “Ask the Expert: Omega-3 Fatty Acids.”
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: “Omega-3 Supplements: An Introduction.”
Rizos, E. The Journal of the American Medical Association, Sept. 12, 2012.
American Heart Association: “Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids.”
Macchia, A. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, December 2012.
FDA: “Summary of Qualified Health Claims Subject to Enforcement Discretion.”
Collins, N. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2008.
Chan, Eric J. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, April 2009.
Lee, Y.-H. Archives of Medical Research, July 2012.
Bays, H. Expert Reviews, March 2008.
National Institutes of Health: “Fish Oil.”
News release, Oregon State University.
Miller, M. Circulation, May 2011.
AstraZeneca.
UpToDate: Omega-3-acid ethyl esters .
FDA: Access data: Omtryg.
Fish Oil Supplements And Heart Rhythm Disorder: New Analysis
- Date:
- European Society of Cardiology
- Summary:
- Omega-3 supplements are associated with an increased likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation in people with high blood lipids, according to a new analysis.
Omega-3 supplements are associated with an increased likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation in people with high blood lipids. That’s the finding of a study published today in European Heart Journal — Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy, a journal of the European Society of Cardiology .
“Currently, fish oil supplements are indicated for patients with elevated plasma triglycerides to reduce cardiovascular risk,” said study author Dr. Salvatore Carbone of Virginia Commonwealth University, US. “Due to the high prevalence of elevated triglycerides in the population, they can be commonly prescribed. Of note, low dose omega-3 fatty acids are available over the counter, without the need for a prescription.”
Some clinical trials have suggested that omega-3 fatty acids may be associated with an increased risk for atrial fibrillation, the most common heart rhythm disorder. People with the disorder have a five times greater likelihood of having a stroke.
These studies tested different formulations of omega-3 fatty acids at different doses. The authors therefore performed a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials to answer the question of whether fish oils were consistently related to a raised risk for atrial fibrillation.
Story Source:
Recommended Reading: Are Baked Potatoes High In Cholesterol
Is Virgin Coconut Oil Bad For You
Lately, virgin coconut oil has been heavily promoted. Marketers claim that any bad data on coconut oil are due to hydrogenation, and virgin coconut oil is not hydrogenated.
But only a small percentage, 8%, of coconut oil is unsaturated fat, which means only 8% of coconut oil gets hydrogenated. And the yield is mostly stearic acid, the one common long-chain saturated fatty acid that has minimal impact on LDL cholesterol levels. So completely hydrogenated coconut oil has about the same impact on LDL cholesterol as does virgin oil, points out Dr. Kenney.
No Improvements In Patient Outcomes
Two meta-analyses investigated the effects of fish oil supplementation on mortality rates. A meta-analysis of 17 RCTs identified no relationship between omega-3 fatty acid intake and mortality .4 Follow-up for participants in the included studies ranged from one to 6.2 years. A Cochrane review of 48 RCTs and 41 cohort studies evaluating participants over six months showed no reduction in rates of overall mortality, cardiovascular events, or cancer.2 However, the length of follow-up may have been inadequate to establish effectiveness.
Recommended Reading: Are Egg Beaters Low In Cholesterol
Myth #: Your Cholesterol Should Be As Low As Possible
As with almost everything in health and wellness, there’s a balance that needs to be maintained.; There are very few extremes that are going to serve you well.
People with too-low levels of cholesterol may have increased risk of death from other non-heart-related issues, like certain types of cancers, as well as suicide.
We commonly hear that a high level of LDL in blood increases risk of plaque formation inside arteries – raising risk of a heart attack. Conversely, the lower the LDL level, the lower the risk of heart attack.
This is a simplistic and incomplete picture.
Its not just the total amount of LDL cholesterol that should be of concern, but also the type and size of the LDL particle. Research indicates that those whose LDL particles;are predominantly small and dense, have a significantly greater risk of cardiovascular disease, whereas the large and fluffy type of LDL may actually be protective.
Its a similar story with HDL cholesterol. Commonly perceived as the good type, HDL cholesterol acts like a scavenger, and removes harmful LDL cholesterol, by transporting it to the liver for processing. But were finding out, that the size of the HDL particle is of significance as well. This research indicates that women who had larger HDL particles had a higher risk of atherosclerosis, versus those who had smaller HDL particles.
Size really matters when it comes to cholesterol.
How To Raise Good Cholesterol And Lower Bad Cholesterol
This article was medically reviewed by Victor Catania, MD. Dr. Catania is a board certified Family Medicine Physician in Pennsylvania. He received his MD from the Medical University of the Americas in 2012 and completed his residency in Family Medicine at the Robert Packer Hospital. He is a member of the American Board of Family Medicine.There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 94% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 405,460 times.
Research suggests that making an effort to improve your cholesterol reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke.XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Heart AssociationLeading nonprofit that funds medical research and public educationGo to source Improving your cholesterol numbers means not only lowering LDLs, but raising your HDLs as well. Studies show that by making lifestyle changes and eating a balanced diet, you can take steps to raise your good HDL cholesterol and lower bad LDL cholesterol to take control of your health.XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source
Read Also: Is Wine High In Cholesterol
Does Fish Oil Thin Your Blood
Fish oil is a blood thinner, which can be both positive and negative. Because fish oil decreases the time your blood clots, it is important to discuss taking the supplement with a medical doctor.
Fish oil is made up of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Normally, blood platelets’ sticky surface causes blood to form together and clot. Fish oil supplements decrease blood platelet activity, resulting in slower blood clotting and thinner blood.
Blood clots might form in the body’s arteries, leading to blocked blood flow and oxygen. Fish oil decreases the number of dangerous blood clots forming, lessening your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Olive Oil To Raise Good Hdl Cholesterol:
Q. My HDL cholesterol has always been low . Recently I read your article about someone who took two tablespoons of good olive oil a day to lower blood pressure.
I began taking two tablespoons every day . On my most recent blood test, my good HDL went up to 50. I was pleasantly surprised, since I had made no other changes. Is there any correlation?
Read Also: Are Egg Beaters Low In Cholesterol
Fish Oil Research: Mixed Results
Other studies have also looked at fish oil and cardiovascular health. The evidence has been mixed, partly because researchers used different types and quantities of fish oils and different placebos.
- The 2007 JELIS trial also evaluated the use of EPA and statins and found a reduction in non-fatal coronary events. Major coronary events were reduced slightly in those with a history of coronary artery disease. No placebo was used.
- The 2019;VITAL study used supplements including vitamin D3 and omega-3 fatty acids. It showed fish oil didnt lower the risk for major cardiac events.
- The 2019 REDUCE-IT trial;evaluated icosapent ethyl , a high-dose pure EPA . The study included people with heart disease or people who were taking a statin medication with raised triglyceride levels. People on the omega-3 supplement had a 25% lower incidence of heart disease and stroke, and a 20% reduction in death from heart disease.
Sardines And Heart Health
Aiming to lower unhealthy cholesterol counts will lower your risk for heart disease. Although sardines contain significant amounts of cholesterol and a fair amount of saturated fat, they generally contain less total and saturated fat than their protein counterparts of red meat and poultry. Consuming seafood, such as sardines, is actually recommended by the American Heart Association for heart health because it contains omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA. Sardines contain fewer omega-3 fatty acids than salmon and tuna, but one 3-oz. serving of canned sardines provides 0.402 g of EPA and 0.432 g of DHA.
- Aiming to lower unhealthy cholesterol counts will lower your risk for heart disease.
- Consuming seafood, such as sardines, is actually recommended by the American Heart Association for heart health because it contains omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA.
Read Also: Is Calamari High In Cholesterol
Plasma Cholesterol Vs Lipoprotein Cholesterol
A 1986 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition provided support for the benefits of fish oil omega-3 fatty acids even when combined with high cholesterol intake.
The study involved 6 participants tested with 3 diets. The participants were first placed on a diet providing 710 mg/day of cholesterol. Thereafter, they ate a diet with lower cholesterol content along with 40 g/day of fish oil. Finally, they took the same fish oil supplement and an egg yolk diet with high cholesterol content .
The results of the study showed that switching from a high-cholesterol diet to a low-cholesterol diet plus fish oil supplement reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
The dietary change and fish oil supplementation lowered VLDL, LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels as well as the level of apoproteins A1 and B.
When the study participants were switched back to a high-cholesterol diet plus fish oil supplement, only plasma cholesterol rose. There was no significant increase in lipoprotein cholesterol or apoprotein levels.
These results showed that even though fish oil supplements may not reduce the amount of cholesterol in the plasma, it can reduce the amount of cholesterol carried by lipoproteins . Since lipoprotein cholesterols are the determinant of cardiovascular health, fish oil can improve cardiovascular health even when plasma measurements indicate it does not lower cholesterol levels.
Research Design And Methods
A total of 49 moderately hypertriglyceridemic type 2 diabetic patients were recruited from the Steno Diabetes Center. The inclusion criteria were 1) known type 2 diabetes for >2 years, 2) fasting plasma TAG >1.5 mmol/l at screening, 3) diabetes onset at >30 years of age, 4) no use of lipid-lowering drugs, 5) no use of dietary supplements with fish oil or garlic, 6) low or moderate alcohol intake , and 7) no use of hormone replacement therapy . Before entering the study, the patients were told about the nature of the study and written consent was obtained. Seven patients did not complete the study. Two dropped out during the run-in phase: one was hospitalized and another experienced weight gain. One patient could not participate in the last blood sampling due to pneumonia. Three subjects were excluded due to possible illness at the time of blood sampling based on increased levels of C-reactive protein in plasma . One subject was excluded because she was not fasting at time of blood sampling. Thus, this aticle is based on 42 patients, 20 from the fish oil group and 22 from the corn oil group. Baseline characteristics and treatment assignments in the subjects who dropped out were similar to those who completed the study.
Also Check: Is Milk Chocolate Bad For Cholesterol
Improvements In Laboratory Values
A Cochrane review of 23 RCTs involving 1,075 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus showed that supplementation with fish oil lowered triglyceride levels by 8.1 mg per dL .1 In treated patients, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased by 1.26 mg per dL , and LDL cholesterol levels increased by 1.98 mg per dL . There was no change in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
An earlier Cochrane review of 17 RCTs sought to determine the effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on rates of mortality and cardiovascular events.2 The meta-analysis of studies that included adults at risk of cardiovascular disease found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation significantly reduced serum triglyceride levels . Total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels did not change significantly. LDL cholesterol significantly increased . It should be noted that this study examined omega-3 intake from fish and plant sources.
A systematic review of four RCTs concluded that supplementation with two omega-3 fatty acids in doses of 1.7 g or greater reduced triglyceride levels by at least 10% compared with baseline.3 Patients with higher baseline triglyceride levels had the greatest benefit.
Lower Ldl Levels Are Better
In a JAMA editorial accompanying the study, Christopher P. Cannon, MD, of Brigham and Womens Hospital and Harvard Medical School wrote that aggressive LDL lowering is the ideal lower is better.
The JAMA studys findings echo those of another large 4,162-patient study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine. It concluded that LDL cholesterol levels of 62 were even better than levels of 95 at preventing death, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular-related problems in people with heart disease.
You May Like: Can Keto Cause High Cholesterol
Fish Oil And Arterial Disease
Data supporting a relation between fish oil and arterial disease are summarized in and only a few will be discussed further. Other aspects are discussed elsewhere in the supplement.
Evidence of a relation between fish oil and arterial disease.
The reduction in triacylglycerols is one of the modifications in the risk profile. High triacylglycerol concentrations are now widely recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, although the coexistence of low HDL or high LDL concentrations augments the risk substantially. The atherogenicity of intermediate-density lipoproteins, the remnant of VLDL catabolism, is being rediscovered .
Modification of dyslipidemia has been the most characteristic effect of fish oils. Triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins are almost invariably reduced by mechanisms that are now mostly understood. Postprandial lipemia is reduced and potentially atherogenic remnants are cleared. This facilitation of triacylglycerol catabolism partly explains the desirable rise in HDL2-cholesterol concentrations.
Another index of arterial function is compliance, a measure of the elasticity of large arteries, including the thoracic aorta. Compliance has been reported to be improved by treating diabetic patients , with fish oil . Of importance is that this improvement in function is achieved within a few weeks.
Myth #: Eating Cholesterol Increases Your Bad Cholesterol
Most of the cholesterol in your blood is made by your liver.; It’s actually not from the cholesterol you eat.; Why do you think cholesterol medications block an enzyme in your liver ?; ‘Cause that’s where it’s made!
What you eat still can affect how much cholesterol your liver produces.; After a cholesterol-rich meal your liver doesn’t need to make as much.
Recommended Reading: Are Baked Potatoes High In Cholesterol