Risk factors associated with plasma omega-3 fatty acid levels in patients with suspected coronary artery disease

Introduction We sought to determine the associations between plasma eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels and various cardiovascular risk factors and with the use of fish oil supplements (FOS). Patients and methods Patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing cardiac catheterization (n=433) were studied. Serum fatty acid (FA) composition, the concentrations of lipids and biomarkers of oxidative stress, and dietary/lifestyle factors were measured. Results FOS use was associated with a higher plasma EPA+DHA levels (3.7±1.5 vs. 2.6±1.1%, p<0.0001). However, there was no relationship between FOS dose (mg/day) and EPA+DHA levels in 76 patients reporting FOS use (r=−0.21, p=0.07). Lower levels were inversely associated with risk factor profiles including lower ApoB100/ApoA1 ratios (p<0.001). Discussion and conclusions Higher EPA+DHA levels characterized patients with lower CAD risk. The lack of relations between FOS dose and plasma EPA+DHA levels likely reflects uncaptured variability in EPA+DHA content of supplements.