The manufacturer of a prescription omega-3 fish oil product has announced preliminary results of a trial showing significant reduction in cardiovascular events using a high-dose formulation.   The study (REDUCE-IT) enrolled over 8,000 patients at elevated risk of cardiovascular events (patients had raised triglyceride levels plus either a previous cardiovascular event or diabetes with one additional risk factor).  Subjects were all given a statin, and were randomized to receive either placebo or 4 g/day of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).  After median follow-up of almost 5 years, there was an approximately 25% relative risk reduction in first occurrence of a major adverse cardiovascular event (death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, coronary revascularization, or unstable angina requiring hospitalization.  The high-dose was also shown to be well tolerated compared to placebo.  More details of the trial results are expected at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions in November 2018.

References 

For more information about the REDUCE-IT trial, click here.

Additional reporting from Medscape, click here.

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