Category Archives: Stroke

Higher Omega-3 Intake May Not Provide CV Benefit

Increasing omega-3 intake doesn’t appear to reduce risk for heart disease, stroke, or mortality, according to a new Cochrane review.

Researchers examined 79 randomized, controlled trials that included over 110,000 participants with or without cardiovascular disease. Participants were randomized to receive either supplementation and/or clinician advice to increase intake of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids or alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) or usual or reduced intake for at least 1 year. Most trials compared omega-3 capsules with placebo.

Omega 3s had little to no effect on mortality or adverse cardiovascular events. Increased intake of ALA, found in nuts and seeds, intake might slightly reduce risk for cardiovascular events, coronary mortality, and arrhythmias, but the authors estimate that 1000 people would need to increase their ALA intake to avert one cardiovascular event or coronary death.

They write: “In light of the evidence in this review it would be appropriate to review official recommendations supporting supplemental [omega-3] fatty acid intake.”

LINK(S):

Cochrane review (Free abstract)

Background: Physician’s First Watch coverage of study showing no cardiovascular benefit of omega-3 intake(Free)

Avoid Ibuprofen, Naproxen If You Are On Any Antidepressants

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Combining antidepressants especially SSRI’s (Lexapro, Zoloft, etc.) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen, Naprosen might increase the risk for strokes from bleeding in the brain, in patients according to a study published in the BMJ.

Building on the established knowledge that NSAIDs and antidepressants independently increase the risk for abnormal bleeding, researchers examined data on hospital admissions and prescriptions from more than 4 million Korean patients who were prescribed antidepressants for the first time between 2010 and 2013.

Individuals who took both antidepressants and NSAIDs at the same time were at a heightened risk for experiencing bleeding in the brain within 30 days of beginning the drugs, compared with those who used antidepressants alone.