Final answer:
High plasma levels indicate inflammation, often associated with increased blood pressure. Omega-6 fatty acids can exacerbate this, whereas omega-3 fatty acids tend to lower blood pressure and have anti-inflammatory benefits, which are important for cardiovascular health.
Step-by-step explanation:
Researchers at UC San Francisco discovered that high plasma levels indicate inflammation. Eicosanoids derived from omega-6 fatty acids can lead to increased blood pressure and are associated with various conditions including inflammation when chronically elevated. In contrast, eicosanoids from omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect and are known to lower blood pressure. These substances play an important role in cardiovascular health as they compete for enzymatic pathways, influencing the production of compounds that contribute to the body's inflammatory response.
It's important to note that high blood pressure itself can contribute to cardiovascular strain, and alongside high cholesterol and obesity, it significantly increases the risk of heart disease. Thus, managing inflammation and blood pressure through dietary choices, such as increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids, is recommended by health organizations to lower the chances of cardiovascular diseases.