Coronary artery disease is a cardiovascular condition characterized by the gradual buildup of plaque within the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle. This narrowing of the arteries can result in chest pain (angina), heart attacks, and impaired heart function, posing a considerable risk to cardiovascular health. A recent study found that omega-3 fatty acids reduce plaque burden in patients with low-to-moderate coronary artery disease risk.

Researchers recruited 106 patients with low-to-moderate coronary artery disease risk who underwent computed tomography angiography (CTA) – an imaging test that visualizes the coronary arteries. Half of the patients were taking omega-3 fatty acids, and the other half were not. The researchers ranked the patients based on the extent of their coronary artery plaque accumulation and other aspects of arterial disease.

They found that those who took omega-3s had less total and non-calcified plaque burden than those who didn’t. The risk of having high-risk (lipid-rich) plaque was lower among those who took omega-3s (3.8 percent versus 32 percent). On average, those who took omega-3s had been doing so for about three years.

These findings demonstrate an association between omega-3s and lower coronary high-risk plaque and total non-calcified plaque burden, suggesting that omega-3s exert direct anti-atherogenic effects.

Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) likely provide vascular protection through various mechanisms involving lipid metabolism and anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting pathways. In addition, evidence suggests that DHA and EPA are directly incorporated into vessel walls, lowering triglycerides. Byproducts of omega-3 metabolism called specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) may play roles, too. Learn more about omega-3s heart-healthy effects in this short video featuring Dr. Rhonda Patrick.