Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are known to reduce inflammation and decrease the risk of chronic degenerative diseases. Omega-3 fatty acids also influence the ability to form blood clots and may have a natural blood-thinning effect.
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fatty acid that can only be found in foods, and are not naturally made by our body. This type of acid can be found in fish, such as salmon and tuna, as well as in other seafood, plants and nuts. The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are apparent as early as birth, as infants not getting sufficient levels of this fatty acid are at increased risk for vision and nerve problems. While omega-3 fatty acids are crucial to brain function as well as growth and development, research has shown that they may also have numerous cardiovascular benefits by reducing risk for heart disease and reducing inflammation.
It is well known that omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent heart disease and improve the heart health of those with cardiovascular disease, but what is their effect on particular patients, such as those on blood-thinning medications after receiving a stent? Researchers in Poland investigated this question, as the effects of omega-3 fatty acids have not been investigated in this specific population before.