Statins Suspected To Negatively Impact Omega-3 Fatty Acids Status-Preliminary Findings*
Research has shown that statins can increase the relative amounts of Arachidonic Acid (AA) in the blood. So while some statin drugs may weakly lower triglycerides in addition to cholesterol, the drug-induced lowering of serum fatty acid concentrations may also alter the relative percentages of important omega-3s and other PUFAs. The results warn of possible increases in the AA:EPA ratio (Harris et al, 2004), a silent pro-inflammatory marker.
omega AA:EPA ratio as an early marker of inflammation could be an important consideration for patients on cholesterol-lowering drugs.
To counter this, try high DHA/EPA consumption, which is highly recommended for individuals at risk for heart disease. DHA +EPA enjoys qualified heart health claims by the FDA. Studies suggest increased dietary n-3 fatty acids may result in a more favorable fatty acid profile during statin treatment. Monitoring of the
Reference Cited By: Undurti N Das, Essential fatty acids and their metabolites could function as endogenous
HMG-CoA reductase and ACE enzyme inhibitors, anti-arrhythmic, anti-hypertensive, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and cardioprotective molecules. Lipids Health Dis. 2008; 7: 37. Published online 2008 October 15.
Drugs may remove an acute threat, but not the cause, 'silent' inflammation.
Omega-3s reduce baseline cardiovascular inflammation.
So what are high triglycerides and high cholesterol numbers telling you? The triglyceride number is an indicator that your body has compensated for making too much fat from energy that cannot get burned.
High triglyceride levels are often associated with insulin resistance, blood vessel inflammation and heart disease.All of these metabolic syndromes are linked to increases in lipid oxidative stress.High cholesterol levels are partly a response to help repair and replace the worn out, oxidized cholesterol and other lipids being consumed by the elevation in baseline inflammation.
Omega-3s also raise HDL levels.Its well known that HDL shuttles cholesterol away from tissues, and away from your arteries, back to your liver.That is why HDL is called the "good cholesterol;" because it is taking cholesterol away from your arteries.
For heart health, omega-3 EPA/DHA acts in three fundamental ways: As critical natural components dictating LDL size, omega-3 EPA/DHA side chains are integrated at the molecular level, acting directly where triglyceride particles are made.* As signaling molecules, they cool the inflammation status in the cardiovascular system. As a rich component of heart and liver tissues, omega-3s support optimal tissue function. Your liver controls and recycles your triglycerides and cholesterol.Your liver is manufacturing and distributing triglycerides and cholesterol for a reason, your natural health.
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