Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and hypertension: a review of vasodilatory mechanisms of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid.

Hypertension is often characterised by impaired vasodilation involving dysfunction of multiple vasodilatory mechanisms. ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) can reduce blood pressure and vasodilation. In the endothelium, DHA and EPA improve function including increased NO bioavailability.