There are many potential health benefits from the consumption of omega-3 fish oil supplements.  PhD candidate Brad McEwen is investigating its role in preventing cardiovascular disease.

The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of consumption of omega-3 supplements in high-risk patients with established cardiovascular disease.

The first stage of the study examined the effect of omega-3 on the aggregation of blood platelets as well as its ability to modify coagulation in healthy volunteers. The current stage is examining the effects in patients with increased cardiovascular risk, such as a previous heart attack.

Research on omega-3 will benefit the prevention and treatment of heart disease by providing a cost-effective and simple process of low dose supplementation of omega-3.

Preliminary results are encouraging and were presented at the Congress of the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis in Japan in July 2011.

Project title: Omega-3 PUFA in Cardiovascular Disease

Supervisors: Associate Professor Chris Ward and Professor Geoffrey Tofler

Funded since: 2010