Young women: Healthy heart?
May 31, 2007
Young women are being urged to participate in a study being conducted at the University of Wollongong’s Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences to determine the benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the heart. The study will not only assess the importance of fish-oil supplements in reducing cardiovascular disease, but it will also result in the development of a simple blood test that can be conducted by GPs in order to gauge the fatty acid levels of a patient’s blood. PhD student, Cassie Sparkes, is hoping the test will be implemented in clinical practice, giving the public easy access to a simple finger-prick blood test that will be similar to a cholesterol measurement. Cassie is conducting the study with her supervisor, Associate Professor Barbara Meyer, who has research expertise in omega-3 fatty acids and their benefits for normal growth and development as well as health maintenance for all ages. The healthy heart study calls for pre-menopausal women aged 18-40 to consume doses of either DHA-rich tuna oil (fish oil) supplements or placebo Sunola oil supplements for 8 weeks in an attempt to investigate the dose-response effects of low doses of fish oil on blood lipids in young females with mildly elevated triglyceride levels. Volunteers will be assessed at a screening visit and women who have mildly elevated triglycerides may be eligible to participate. Blood samples and records of blood pressure will be used to assess whether regular consumption of the fish oil supplement can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease compared with the placebo Sunola oil supplements. Individual results on cardiovascular risk and effect of the supplements will be available to all participants at the end of the study. Evening information sessions will be held at the University on Wednesdays 6 and 13 June to provide interested women with further details about the study. * Interested participants should call (02) 4221 4504 for further information on the study. * Media are advised to contact Cassie Sparkes on 0421 908 841
For more information, contact:
media@uow.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Ph: (02) 4221 5942; fax (02) 4221 3128
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