Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease Reduction: An Update

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This webinar was presented live on February 10, 2021.

More than 20 randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) have been completed using long chain omega-3 fatty acid interventions, mainly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) alone or with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), to assess effects on cardiovascular disease risk. These have yielded mixed results. Icosapent ethyl (EPA only) has a Food and Drug Administration-approved indication for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk reduction in statin-treated patients with triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL based on the results from one cardiovascular outcomes trial. Omega-3 fatty acids have effects on several pathways that could influence cardiovascular risk, including plasma triglycerides, inflammation, oxidation, membrane structure and fluidity, as well as heart rate, blood pressure, endothelial and platelet functions. This webinar will summarize recently published results from cardiovascular outcomes trials with omega-3 fatty acid interventions and offer a perspective on the important questions that remain about the roles of omega-3 fatty acids from diet, supplements, and pharmaceuticals in cardiovascular health and disease.

CPEU: 1
CPE Level: 1
Performance Indicators: 12.1.3, 12.3.1, 14.3.1

Learning Objectives

1. To summarize the observational and randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence regarding omega-3 fatty acids and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, with a discussion about favorable RCTs showing benefits with higher-dosage eicosapentaenoic acid (JELIS and REDUCE-IT) and the discontinued STRENGTH trial of omega-3 carboxylic acids.
2. To recall recommendations from national organizations regarding the use of icosapent ethyl to reduce ASCVD in select patients.
3. To analyze the proposed mechanisms, as well as gaps in the knowledge base, whereby omega-3 fatty acids reduce risk of ASCVD.

Speaker

Kevin C Maki, PhD, CLS, FNLA, FTOS, FACN

Kevin C Maki is the Founder and Chief Scientist for Midwest Biomedical Research (Chicago, Illinois) and MB Clinical Research (Boca Raton, Florida). He specializes in the design and conduct of clinical studies in human nutrition, metabolism and chronic disease risk factor management. Dr Maki is also Adjunct Professor and Dean’s Eminent Scholar in the Department of Applied Health Science at the Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, Indiana. He is a Fellow of the National Lipid Association, The Obesity Society and the American College of Nutrition, as well as a certified Clinical Lipid Specialist. He currently serves as President of the Board of Governors for the Accreditation Council for Clinical Lipidology and is President-elect of the National Lipid Association. 

Dr. Maki has participated in more than 300 clinical trials and observational studies as an investigator, consultant or statistician, and published more than 250 scientific papers, books and book chapters. He earned a PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Illinois at Chicago’s School of Public Health, and an MS in Preventive and Rehabilitative Cardiovascular Health from Benedictine University.