Effect of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fat on Endothelial Function and Inflammatory Parameters in Familial Hypercholesterolemia - a Double Blind, Placebo-controlled Crossover Study

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.