A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals that individuals in the early stages of atherosclerosis exhibit low levels of the Omega-3 Index. Atherosclerosis, characterized by calcium buildup on the walls of arteries, leads to the narrowing of blood vessels and can culminate in full-blown heart disease. It's also considered a prime indicator of heart health.
Past research has demonstrated the preventive role of omega-3 EPA and DHA in vascular calcification at the cellular level in animal models. The researchers of the current study aimed to uncover the pathophysiological mechanisms of omega-3 concerning heart health and their specific role in vascular calcification.
Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC), the calcium deposit on artery walls, is usually assessed through non-invasive methods like computed tomography (CT) and quantified using the Agatston Score (AS), a reliable predictor of risk for adverse events. Alongside these measurements, the study also evaluated the Omega-3 Index of each participant.
Among 71 patients, 51 were below and 20 above the 75th percentile of AS. No differences were observed in age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, and relevant medication. However, the Omega-3 Index showed a significant inverse association with the early onset of CAC, independent of age, sex, statin use, and creatinine levels.
Researchers found that lower levels of EPA and DHA (Omega-3 Index) were associated with the early onset of coronary atherosclerosis. They suggested that these findings need validation in larger cohorts to further illuminate the cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.
"Our findings shed light on the pathophysiology, potentially explaining the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids," they stated.
Further studies on Omega-3 and vascular calcification
In addition to the focus on coronary artery calcification, research has also explored the relationship between omega-3 and aortic calcification. Aortic calcification, the buildup of calcium on the aortic valve, can impact blood flow throughout the body. A multi-ethnic, population-based study involving over 1000 men aged 40-49 found a significant inverse association of omega-3s EPA and DHA with aortic calcification, highlighting the protective effect of DHA.
The societal costs of low Omega-3 consumption
The societal costs of low omega-3 consumption have been quantified in a study published in PLOS Medicine, revealing that suboptimal diets contribute significantly to the costs associated with ischemic heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes in the USA. Low intake of omega-3 from seafood alone contributed $12.7 billion to these costs, underscoring the economic and health impacts of inadequate omega-3 levels.
Increasing awareness and consumption of Omega-3
Efforts to raise awareness about the importance of omega-3 intake have emphasized the cardioprotective benefits of achieving an Omega-3 Index between 8% and 12%. Whether through the consumption of fatty fish or supplementation with fish oil, krill oil, or algal oil, maintaining adequate levels of omega-3 is crucial for heart health and the prevention of vascular calcification.
Concluding thoughts
The research underscores the critical role of omega-3 fatty acids in preventing the early stages of atherosclerosis and highlights the need for increased consumption and awareness of these essential nutrients. As evidence continues to mount on the benefits of omega-3 for heart health, the call for dietary adjustments and policy implementations to combat the societal and economic burdens of cardiovascular diseases becomes more pressing.
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