Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acid on Endothelial Function
Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acid on Endothelial Function
Background

 Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited disease in which the level of bad
 cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol) is increased, leading to an increase in coronary heart disease
 even if adequately treated with cholesterol lowering medication (statins). Polyunsaturated
 fatty acids (PUFA) including omega-3 is known to affect the risk for coronary disease,
 however its effect on patients with FH is not known.

 The purpose of the study is to assess the effect of PUFA on patients with FH, with regard to
 inflammation measured in the blood and the effect on the blood vessels'ability to relax
 (endothelial function) by means of tonometry.

 Hypothesis

 Treatment with 4 grams of PUFA a day for 4 months will lead to an improvement in the
 endothelial function, and the treatment will also lead to a decrease in in several markers of
 inflammation and in lipids in the blood.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  documented familial hypercholesterolemia

 -  age 18-60 years

 -  on statin treatment for at least 12 months

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  pregnancy or planned pregnancy

 -  breast feeding

 -  cancer

 -  non-compliance

 -  PUFA/omega-3 < 3 months before inclusion