Context

N-3 fatty acids have beneficial effects on elevated triglyceride levels, impaired endothelial function, inflammation, atherosclerotic plaque and severe arrhythmias. Prospective cohort studies have shown a lower risk of cardiovascular events among persons who consumed fish regularly. These studies were followed by clinical trials evaluating the effects of supplements with the fish fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. The ORIGIN trial was the first large trial testing the hypothesis that long-term supplementation with n-3 fatty acids reduces cardiovascular events in dysglycaemic patients.