Effect of n‐3 fatty acids on carotid atherosclerosis and haemostasis in patients with combined hyperlipoproteinemia: A double‐blind pilot study in primary prevention

Background. Intake of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFA) either from natural sources or dietary supplementation is inversely associated with atherothrombosis.Aim. A double‐blind pilot study was designed to address the impact of n‐3 PUFA on atherosclerosis, haemostasis and vascular status in patients with combined hyperlipoproteinemia.Methods. Carotid intima‐media thickness (C‐IMT), texture of intima‐media complex (T‐IMC), lipids and platelet function were evaluated in 64 patients with combined hyperlipoproteinemia who received placebo or n‐3 PUFA (6 g/day) for 2 years. C‐IMT and T‐IMC were assessed by B‐mode ultrasound. Lipids and platelet function were determined by validated methods.Results. C‐IMT increased in placebo, but not in n‐3 PUFA group with respect to baseline. In contrast T‐IMC decreased in n‐3 PUFA, but not in placebo; in both cases, however, treatment effect did not reach statistical significance. A fall of triglycerides, concomitant to a rise of high‐ and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL and LDL), was observed in the active treated group. Platelet function was significantly reduced by n‐3 PUFA.Conclusions. Results show a favourable effectiveness of n‐3 PUFA on IMT progression and T‐IMC that deserves to be confirmed in larger studies. Despite the small sample size, the beneficial effect of n‐3 PUFA on platelet function, triglycerides and HDL‐C is clearly highlighted.