ABSTRACT
Determine the effect of PUFA supplementation on patients diagnosed with hypertension and are on treatment with antihypertensive drugs. To identify if the response to PUFA differs according to gender and duration of hypertension. To determine the effect of coexisting morbidities like diabetes and dyslipidemia on the hypertensive patients response to PUFA. This observational study was conducted at the GMCH and RC during the period Jan 2012-Dec 2012. A total of 100 hypertensive patients on treatment, 50 of whom were taking n-3PUFA supplements along with their antihypertensive medications, were followed up for a period of 3 months. Comparisons were drawn between the BP recordings at the time of enrolment in the study and their follow up values 3 months after enrollment. Data analysis was done per protocol, excluding data from the drop out patients. There was a significant reduction in both the systolic and diastolic blood pressures after 3 months of n-3 PUFA therapy [mean reduction systolic 9.7 mmHg; diastolic 4.7 mm Hg]. Males showed significant improvement in BP [systolic] compared to females. The BP of non- diabetic participants' improved significantly with PUFA therapy. The antihypertensive effect of PUFA supplement was more marked in patients with long standing hypertension. Supplementation with omega- 3 PUFA causes a reduction in blood pressure in hypertensive patients