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How Fish Oil Supplements Can Help Lower Your Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is considered normal when the upper number (systolic) is less than 120 mmHg, and the lower number (diastolic) is less than 80 mmHg. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is called the “silent killer” because it often has no warning signs or symptoms, and increases heart disease and stroke risks, the no. one and four causes of death in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates one in three American adults have high blood pressure and an additional 30 percent of American adults have prehypertension, blood pressure numbers that are higher than normal, but not yet in the high blood pressure range.

The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that 69 percent of people who have a first heart attack, 77 percent of people who have a first stroke and 74 percent of people with chronic heart failure have high blood pressure. If this isn’t bad enough, high blood pressure is also a major risk factor for kidney disease. Sadly, fewer than half of those with hypertension are adequately controlled.

Research shows that being physically active, eating a low-sodium diet and taking fish oil supplements can reduce blood pressure. A meta-analysis recently released by the American Journal of Hypertension reviewed 70 randomized controlled trials on the long chain omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, and their effect on blood pressure in subjects who were not on blood pressure lowering medications. The average study duration was 69 days, and the average EPA+DHA dose was 3.8 grams per day with sources including different types of seafood, EPA+DHA fortified foods and fish oil supplements. As these were randomized clinical control trials, olive oil or other vegetable oils were the placebos.

Clinical Trial Results

Systolic pressure (the upper number) decreased by 1.52 mm Hg
Diastolic pressure (the lower number) decreased by .99 mm Hg

In the hypertensive subjects significant reductions were seen.

Systolic pressure decreased by 4.51 mm Hg
Diastolic pressure decreased by 3.05 mm Hg

*All subjects taking EPA+DHA, compared to the placebo.

Interestingly, this meta-analysis also found that omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are as effective, if not more effective, than lifestyle changes to lower blood pressure.

Even small reductions have a big impact. Each 2mmHg reduction reduces stroke mortality by six percent and coronary heart disease by four percent. At Cooper Aerobics, we encourage you to incorporate both lifestyle changes and omega-3 supplementation to attain the greatest reduction in blood pressure. Cooper Complete Advanced Omega-3 contains 1.2 grams of EPA and DHA per serving.

To learn more about Cooper Complete vitamins and supplements, call 888.393.2221 or click here.

Article provided by Cathy Sides, Director of Customer Relations, Cooper Concepts Inc.