Fish oil in heart disease.

Observations of significantly lower total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and higher levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol among Eskimos as compared to Danes in all age groups and both genders, and the current emphasis on the role of cholesterol in atherosclerosis have stimulated several studies that have examined the effects of dietary fish or fish oil supplements on plasma lipids. Conclusions from these studies suggest a favorable change in the plasma lipids in subjects with higher intake of dietary fish or those receiving fish oil supplements towards a decreased incidence of atherosclerosis and hence the coronary artery disease. This article is an attempt to review the current understanding of the effects of fish oil on blood lipids and its role in the heart disease.