Fish oil reduces blood pressure surges and helps control stress

Intake of Omega 3 EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) reduces changes in blood pressure associated with stress. This is the finding of a study published in the journal Biological Psychology by researchers at Allegheny College in Meadville, USA. The news confirms the benefits of these nutrients for cardiovascular health.

Stress, the Heart, and Omega-3s

Overreactivity of the cardiovascular system to stressful situations is a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Not only that, an exaggerated response also increases the likelihood of these diseases being fatal. In fact, theaccumulation of stress results in:

- Excessive demand for blood from the circulatory system;

- Reduced blood flow to the cells;

- Increased levels of inflammation.

All these factors cause damage to the cardiovascular system. An unbalanced diet can also have deleterious effects on the heart and blood vessels. A diet typical of modern Western countries, rich in Omega-6 fatty acids but low in Omega-3, seriously endangers the health of the cardiovascular system.

Omega-3 to protect heart and arteries

Several studies have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids can improve the activity of the cardiovascular system. For this reason, researchers at Allegheny Colleg decided to analyze the effect of administering these nutrients on cardiovascular system function. The 34 subjects who participated in the study, all of whom were young and in good health, were randomly assigned to one of 2 possible groups:

- participants in the former took a mixture equal to 1.4 grams of Omega-3 EPA and DHA for 21 days;

- Participants in the second were instead given a placebo not containing these fatty acids.

The scientists then assigned all individuals to arithmetic exercises consisting of performing serial subtraction from a 4-digit number. During the tests, parameters of the functioning of the cardiovascular system were assessed. In particular, it was measured how the heart and arteries react to situations of mental stress, such as that which occurred while performing such exercises. Based on the data collected, the researchers were able to conclude that taking EPA and DHA, but not the placebo, reduced the responsiveness of blood pressure to stress.

Omega-3 to protect the heart from stress

For the authors, this research shows that intake of Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce changes in cardiovascular system activity associated with stress. The finding adds new details to the picture of the benefits of Omega-3s for the heart, which include control of blood fat levels,antithrombotic and anti-inflammatoryactions, and reduction in the risk of dangerous events such asheart attack.