Volume 29, Issue 156, February 2025

The impact of Omega-3 fatty acids on coronary artery disease: A literature review

Marta Kapler^1♦, Barbara Badura²

¹PULS-MEDIC Primary Care Center, Ltd., Poniatowskiego 28, 43-300 Bielsko-Biała, Poland
²Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland

^♦Corresponding Author
PULS-MEDIC Primary Care Center, Ltd., Poniatowskiego 28, 43-300 Bielsko-Biała, Poland

ABSTRACT

Omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FAs) have gained prominence for their potential cardioprotective effects, particularly in coronary artery disease (CAD). Observational findings in high fish-consuming populations suggested reduced cardiovascular events, setting the stage for trials such as GISSI-Prevenzione and JELIS, which linked ω-3 FAs to lowered cardiac risk. Most notably, the REDUCEIT trial demonstrated that 4 g/day of purified eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) significantly reduced major adverse cardiovascular events in statin-treated patients with elevated triglycerides. Proposed mechanisms include attenuation of inflammation, plaque stabilization, and triglyceride reduction, although not all research is consistent. Trials like VITAL and STRENGTH showed mixed outcomes, likely reflecting variations in formulations (EPA alone vs. EPA+DHA), dosages, and even placebo oils. Elevated doses of ω-3 FAs carry a small but notable risk of atrial fibrillation, though gastrointestinal side effects remain the most common concern. Overall, high-dose EPA formulations appear effective in reducing residual cardiovascular risk. Further research is warranted to optimize dosing, identify patient subgroups most likely to benefit, and clarify the molecular pathways that underpin these cardioprotective properties.

Keywords: Omega-3 fatty acids, Atherosclerosis, Triglycerides, Coronary artery disease

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e39ms3537

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v29i156.e39ms3537

Published: 21 February 2025