Impact of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: an updated Meta-analysis of RCTs
Md S. Rahman
Tristar Horizon Medical Center, Dickson, TN, USA.
Waqas A. Usmani
Ziauddin Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan.
Uzma Nureen
Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan.
Ashraf Ullah
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, USA.
Mohd Diya Masmoum
Alfaisal University Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Zaghum Abbas
Quaid E Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
Raneem Masmoum
College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Surya A. Palasani
Katuri Medical College and Hospital, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Ali Noor
King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan.
Muhammad Sohail S. Mirza *
Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Omega-3 fatty acids have been extensively studied for their potential role in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. This meta-analysis aims to provide an updated synthesis of data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the efficacy of omega-3 supplementation in reducing cardiovascular risk.
Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis of 17 RCTs involving 82,592 patients. The primary outcomes assessed were changes in triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels, the incidence of major cardiovascular events (MACE), and cardiac mortalities. Statistical analyses were performed using a random-effects model.
Results: Omega-3 supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in triglyceride levels by an average of 4.41 mg/dL (95% CI: -10.16 to 1.88) and a modest decrease in LDL levels by 0.70 mg/dL (95% CI: -2.12 to 0.72). Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids were associated with a 10% reduction in the risk of major cardiovascular events (RR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.82 to 0.99) and a 35% reduction in cardiac mortalities (RR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.95).
Conclusion: This meta-analysis supports the use of omega-3 fatty acids as a preventive strategy in cardiovascular care, demonstrating significant benefits in lowering triglyceride levels, reducing major cardiovascular events, and decreasing cardiac mortalities.
Keywords: Omega-3 fatty acids, cardiovascular diseases, cardiovascular disease prevention