Effects of Fatty and Lean Fish Intake on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Subjects With Coronary Heart Disease

Effects of Fatty and Lean Fish Intake on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Subjects With Coronary Heart Disease

The aim of the study is to examine the effects of fatty fish and white (lean) fish on cardiovascular disease risk factor levels in subjects with established coronary heart disease using multiple medications. The main end points are blood pressure, serum lipids, inflammatory markers, arrhythmias and gene expression in peripheral mononuclear cells. The study design was a controlled, parallel study lasting 8 weeks with three diet groups: fatty fish, white fish and control group (lean pork, beef or chicken).

Inclusion Criteria:

• myocardial infarction or unstable ischemic attack
• use of beta blockers
• normal sinus rhythm
• fasting serum triglyceride less or equal to 3.5 mmol/l
• fasting serum cholesterol less or equal to 8 mmol/l
• BMI 18.5-30 kg/m2
• fasting plasma glucose less or equal to 7 mmol/l

Exclusion Criteria:

• diabetes
• use of other antiarrhythmic medications than beta blockers
• atrial fibrillation
• use of psychotropic medications
• abnormal liver, thyroid or kidney function
• inflammatory bowel disease
• excessive use of alcohol
• use of fish oil supplements or high habitual intake of fish