Omega-3 for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases: meta-analysis and trial-sequential analysis

Eur J Hosp Pharm. 2022 May;29(3):134-138. doi: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2020-002207. Epub 2020 Jun 16.

Abstract

Objectives: The effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids (PUFAs) in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remains a matter of debate. The aim of this work was to evaluate PUFAs in the reduction of cardiovascular mortality in primary and secondary prevention of CVD to determine if further original studies are needed or the available data can be considered conclusive.

Methods: A meta-analysis was performed according to a dichotomous endpoint followed by a trial-sequential analysis (TSA). Clinical data were identified through a PubMed search based on the following keywords: omega-3 fatty acids; cardiovascular disease; death; and cardiovascular risk. The clinical trials identified by this procedure were subjected to standard meta-analysis and TSA.

Results and conclusions: A total of 11 randomised studies for 100 609 patients were analysed. Our meta-analysis showed a statistically significant reduction in mortality due to cardiovascular issues (RR=0.937; 95% CI: 0.88 to 0.98; P=0.018). The TSA indicated that no further trials are needed to better evaluate the efficacy of PUFAs in preventing death related to CVD.

Keywords: cardiac epidemiology; coronary heart disease; dietetics; evidence-based medicine; nutrition & amp; research methods; statistics & amp.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / prevention & control
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Primary Prevention / methods
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Secondary Prevention / methods

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3