OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE: A DECADE OF EVIDENCE

Maria Janiszewska; Agata Juchniewicz; Jakub Sapikowski; Iga Kuba; Julita Jagodzińska; Anna Lubomska; Martyna Grześkowiak; Jakub Idziński

doi:10.31435/ijitss.4(48).2025.4279

Authors

Maria Janiszewska Dr. Rafał Masztak Grochowski Hospital, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6704-8742
Agata Juchniewicz 7th Naval Hospital in Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4014-3413
Jakub Sapikowski 7th Naval Hospital in Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7253-514X
Iga Kuba Pabianice Medical Centre, Pabianice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5834-9075
Julita Jagodzińska Maria Skłodowska-Curie Provincial Specialist Hospital in Zgierz, Zgierz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9403-9850
Anna Lubomska Independent Public Multispecialist Healthcare Centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7820-7669
Martyna Grześkowiak Florian Ceynowa Specialist Hospital in Wejherowo, Wejherowo, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8434-4870
Jakub Idziński Independent Public Multispecialist Healthcare Centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1058-9615

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.4(48).2025.4279

Keywords:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Cardiovascular Disease, EPA, DHA, Atherosclerosis, Arrhythmia, Meta-Analysis, Supplementation, Triglycerides

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been proposed as cardioprotective agents through anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and plaque- stabilizing mechanisms. This review synthesizes evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta- analyses over the past decade, examining the effects of omega-3 supplementation on cardiovascular outcomes. High-dose purified EPA (4g/day icosapent ethyl) consistently reduces major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in high-risk populations [1,2]. Conversely, low-dose or mixed EPA+DHA formulations show variable or neutral results [3,4]. Mechanistic, biomarker, and imaging studies support biological plausibility of benefit [5], while safety signals- particularly increased risk of atrial fibrillation- should be considered [2,6]. Formulation, dosing, and patient selection are critical for optimizing cardiovascular outcomes.

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