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Omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce the physical harm caused by smoking

Date:
April 20, 2012
Source:
World Heart Federation
Summary:
Omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce the physical harm caused by smoking, according to a new study.
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Omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce the physical harm caused by smoking, according to a new study presented April 20 at the World Congress of Cardiology.

The study, carried out in Greece, assessed the effect of four-week oral treatment with 2 g/day of omega-3 fatty acids on the arterial wall properties of cigarette smokers. The results showed that short-term treatment with omega-3 fatty acids improves arterial stiffness and moderates the acute smoking-induced impairment of vascular elastic properties in smokers.

"These findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acids inhibit the detrimental effects of smoking on arterial function, which is an independent prognostic marker of cardiovascular risk," said Dr. Gerasimos Siasos, University of Athens Medical School, 1st Department of Cardiology, "Hippokration" Hospital. "The cardioprotective effects of omega-3 fatty acids appear to be due to a synergism between multiple, intricate mechanisms involving anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects. Furthermore, AHA recommends that people without documented history of coronary heart disease should consume a variety of fish (preferably oily -- rich in omega-3 fatty acids) at least twice per week."

"The World Heart Federation strongly encourages all smokers to quit," said Dr Kathryn Taubert, Chief Science Officer at the World Heart Federation. "The only way to protect your body from the harmful effects of tobacco is to stop smoking. We encourage all people, both smokers and non-smokers, to eat healthy diets, which includes foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids."


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Materials provided by World Heart Federation. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Cite This Page:

World Heart Federation. "Omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce the physical harm caused by smoking." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 20 April 2012. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120420105726.htm>.
World Heart Federation. (2012, April 20). Omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce the physical harm caused by smoking. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 29, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120420105726.htm
World Heart Federation. "Omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce the physical harm caused by smoking." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120420105726.htm (accessed March 29, 2024).

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