Omega-3s Reduce Deadly Blood Clot Risks

Encompassing the conditions of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the third most common cardiovascular illness after acute coronary syndrome and stroke.  IJ Hansen-Krone, from University of Tromso (Norway), and colleagues analyzed data collected on 23,621 men and women , ages 25 to 97 years, who were enrolled in the Tromso Study which followed subjects for an average of 16 years. During this period, there were 536 documented cases of VTE.  Through data analysis, researchers ascertained that tthose participants who ate three or more servings of fish per week reduced their risk of VTE by 22%.  Adding fish oil dietary supplements further enhanced the dietary benefits, with omega-3 dietary supplement consumers experiencing a 48% lower risk of VTE.  The study authors conclude that: “a high weekly intake ([at or more than] 3 times/wk) of fish was associated with a slightly reduced risk of [venous thromboembolism], and the addition of fish oil supplements strengthened the inverse effect.”