Comprehensive Study Finds Omega-3 Reduces Heart Risks

A heart-healthy diet can also have other 'side effects' including improved mood, studies reveal

Cardiovascular disease is responsible for nearly 18 million deaths each year and is the No. 1 cause of death globally. Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock

OmegaThe most in-depth analysis to date confirms the importance of consuming sufficient quantities of omega-3 fats to prevent cardiovascular disease.

The meta-analysis, published in the peer-reviewed journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings, reviewed 40 clinical trials, and the multi-disciplinary team of researchers delivered an authoritative rallying cry for including more EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) omega-3 fats in your diet, citing their significant cardioprotective effects.

Omega-3 Fats: Are You Getting Enough?

This expanded review of a previously published meta-analysis analyzed the observed effects of all randomized control trials with EPA/DHA supplementation and cardiovascular outcomes published before August 2019. Examined outcomes included myocardial infarction (MI)—commonly called a heart attack—coronary heart disease (CHD) events, CVD events (a composite of MI, angina, stroke, heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, sudden death, and non-scheduled cardiovascular surgical interventions), CHD mortality and fatal MI.