Serum linoleic acid and cardiovascular death in postinfarction middle-aged men.

Linoleic acid in serum total lipids was the first variable in the stepwise regression analysis of metabolic, nutritional and cardiovascular factors in a secondary preventive study of postinfarction middle-aged men. It was followed in the regression analysis where the dependent variable was cardiovascular death by previous myocardial infarction, heart volume index and hyperlipoproteinaemia. Linoleic acid was the only fatty acid entering the regression. Unlike other fatty acids, it exhibited by its low percentage an accumulation of deaths. The decreased percentage of linoleic acid was also evident in the comparison of fatty acid patterns of cardiovascular deaths to age- and triglyceride-matched men free from ischaemic heart disease. This study confirms prospective associations found in previously healthy men. Conclusions are drawn about the relevance of low serum linoleic acid to long term prognosis after MI.