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Hypertension prophylaxis with omega-3 fatty acids in heart transplant recipients

Andreassen AK, Hartmann A, Offstad J, Geiran O, Kvernebo K, Simonsen S

Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 1997

14 participants

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine whether omega-3 fatty acids act as hypertension prophylaxis in heart transplant recipients and have an impact on vascular reactivity.

BACKGROUND: Cyclosporine-induced hypertension is probably related to endothelial dysfunction. Suggested vasodilatory mechanisms of omega-3 fatty acids may therefore be particularly beneficial in heart transplant recipients.

METHODS: Heart transplant recipients were randomized to receive either 4 g of omega-3 fatty acids (treatment group, n = 14) daily or corn oil (placebo group, n = 14) from the fourth postoperative day. Twenty-four hour blood pressure monitoring was performed at day 12 and 1,2,3 and 6 months postoperatively. Microvascular endothelium-dependent vasodilation, evaluated by skin laser Doppler perfusion measurements of postocclusive reactive hyperemia, was determined preoperatively and at the end of the study.

RESULTS: With comparable characteristics at the time of randomization, blood levels of cyclosporine did not at any point differ between the groups. After 6 months, systolic blood pressure decreased 2 +/- 4 mm Hg (mean +/- SEM) in the treatment group and increased 17 +/- 4 mm Hg in the placebo group (p < 0.01), whereas diastolic blood pressure increased 10 +/- 3 and 21 +/- 2 mm Hg (p < 0.01), respectively. The decrease in systolic blood pressure was inversely proportional to increases in concentrations of serum eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid (p = 0.01). After 6 months,…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 14 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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