Coronary Artery Disease polyunsaturated fatty acids

Diseases of the heart and circulatory system, cardiovascular diseases, have long been the leading cause of mortality in Europe and North America, and total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are the two most important risk factors for coronary heart disease. Decreased arterial compliance of the arteries is thought to contribute to systolic hypertension and coronary artery insufficiency. A number of nutraceuticals have been used for long-term prevention or symptom reduction in cardiovascular diseases, notably soy products, tea flavonoids, octacosanol, n-3-polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and, to a lesser extent, melatonin, Pycnogenol, resveratrol, coenzyme QIO, lycopene, and DHEA. 

Eritsland J, Amesen H, Seljeflot I, Kierulf P. Long-term effects of -3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on haemostatic variables and bleeding episodes in patients with coronary artery disease. Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis (1995) 6,17-22. 

The intermediate in hydrogenation, formed by reaction of the unsaturated ester with the hydrogenated surface of the metal catalyst, not only can proceed to the saturated fatty acid ester, but also can dissociate to constitutional and stereoisomers. Unlike polyunsaturated vegetable oils, which tend to reduce serum cholesterol levels, the trans fats produced by stereoisomerization during partial hydrogenation have cholesterol-raising effects similar to those of saturated fats. Increased consumption of trans fats has been linked to higher levels of coronary artery disease. 

A fat content of 20-35% is strongly recommended in the 2005 dietary guidelines for Americans released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The fat in today s diet is about 40% saturated, 40% monounsaturated, and 20% polyunsaturated. Lowering the saturated and monounsaturated fat and raising the polyunsaturated fat content of the diet is also strongly recommended. What is the basis for these recommendations Heart disease is the primary cause of death in the United States (Section 17.1), and atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty deposits called plaque on the inner walls of arteries, reduces the flow of hlood to the heart. If a coronary artery is blocked by plaque, a heart attack occurs as a result of the reduced blood flow carrying oxygen to the heart. About 98% of all heart attack victims have atherosclerosis, and the major components of atherosclerotic plaque are saturated fatty acids and cholesterol. 

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