Takeaway
- Low levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are associated with early onset of coronary atherosclerosis in symptomatic patients.
Why this matters
- The effect of EPA and DHA on vascular calcification in humans is unclear.
- This study improves our understanding of the pathophysiology of omega-3 fatty acids, which potentially explains their beneficial effects.
Study design
- Prospective analysis of symptomatic patients with low to intermediate pre-test-likelihood who presented with atypical angina (n=71).
- Patient characteristics: mean age, 62 years; mean BMI, 28 kg/m2; mean number of cardiovascular risk factors, 2.4.
- The presence of coronary artery calcification (CAC) above 75th percentile was calculated (defined as association of EPA and DHA with early-onset coronary atherosclerosis).
- Funding: None disclosed.
Key results
- The groups with <75th (n=51) vs >75th (n=20) Agatston-Score (AS) percentile showed a significant difference in CAC measurements (including CAC volume, mass, and AS; all P<.001).
- In the group >75th vs <75th AS-percentile, there were significantly lower values for:
- EPA (0.77% vs 0.93%; P=.045);
- DHA (4.90% vs 5.50%; P=.038); and
- Omega-3 Index (5.73% vs 6.22%; P=.034).
- No significant differences were noted with other fatty acids.
- Multivariable analysis revealed a significant inverse association between Omega-3 Index and early onset of CAC (OR, 0.533; P=.029).
- This significant association was independent of age (P=.319), sex (P=.634), statin use (P=.107) and creatinine level (P=.061).
Limitations
- Small sample size.
- Intake of EPA- and DPA-rich sources not assessed.
References
References