The effects of high fat meals enriched with n-3 fatty acids on blood pressure at rest & during exercise

INTERVENTION: A randomised, crossover intervention study to investigate the effects of high‐fat meals (50g fat) containing high‐oleic sunflower oil enriched with 5 g of either EPA or DHA, compared to a control high‐fat meal (high‐oleic sunflower oil only) on cardiovascular haemodynamics at rest and in response to exercise in 22 healthy males. Blood samples were taken and resting measurements of cardiac output, heart rate and BP were measured at baseline (before the meal) and then hourly over a 5‐h period following the meal. A standardized 12 min exercise test was then conducted and further samples were taken and measurements made during exercise and post‐exercise. There was at least a 1‐week washout period between each of the 3 study days. CONDITION: Cardiovascular disease ; Circulatory System ; Heart disease PRIMARY OUTCOME: Blood pressure (with heart rate and cardiac output), was measured at baseline (before the meal), and then 1, 2, 3 and 5 h after the meal, then at 3, 6 9 and 12 min during the 12‐min multi‐stage cycling protocol of moderate intensity. Then the subjects were allowed to recover from the exercise in a seated position and further measurements of blood pressure, heart rate and cardiac output were determined at 15, 30 and 45 min post‐exercise. SECONDARY OUTCOME: 1. A change in arterial stiffness as measured by digital volume pulse (DVP) (stiffness index [SI] and reflection index [RI]) at baseline (before the meal), and then 1, 2, 3 and 5 h after the meal, and then 15, 30 and 45 min post‐exercise (after the 12 min cycling protocol). Blood samples were taken for plasma isoprostanes analysis at baseline (before the meal), and then 5 h after the meal, and then immediately post‐exercise (after the 12 min cycling protocol).; 2. A change in 8‐isoprostane‐F2alpha concentrations as an index of oxidative stress INCLUSION CRITERIA: Healthy men, aged 18 ‐ 45 years