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Should We “RESPECT EPA” More Now? EPA and DHA for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction

  • Lipid Abnormalities and Cardiovascular Prevention (ED Michos, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Cardiology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

There has been much debate surrounding the use of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), for cardiovascular (CV) risk reduction.

Recent Findings

Recent trials of EPA and DHA have offered conflicting evidence. Some demonstrate reduction in CV risk using EPA alone in select populations. Others have demonstrated no benefit, with potential for side effects, such as new-onset atrial fibrillation.

Summary

Both EPA and DHA have favorable impact on lipids and inflammation, suggesting some biological plausibility for CV risk reduction. However, clinical trials of these agents have produced mixed results. Based on available evidence, EPA may work better for CV risk than DHA and EPA combined. The benefit of EPA seems to be dose dependent, though higher doses may have more side effects. Further research is needed to define the role of EPA and DHA in the landscape of CV risk reduction.

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Data Availability

Data supporting the findings of this study are available within the paper and its references.

References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA

    Michelle D. Kelsey & Neha J. Pagidipati

  2. Duke Clinical Research Institute, 300 W Morgan St, Durham, NC, 27710, USA

    Michelle D. Kelsey & Neha J. Pagidipati

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Correspondence to Michelle D. Kelsey.

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Conflict of Interest

MK reports consultation/advisory panels for Bayer and Honoraria from HeartFlow. NP reports research support from Alnylam, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eggland’s Best, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, and Verily Life Sciences; reports consultation/advisory panels for Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, CRISPR Therapeutics, Eli Lilly, Esperion, AstraZeneca, Merck, Novartis, and Novo Nordisk; is an Executive Committee member for trials sponsored by Novo Nordisk and by Amgen; is a medical advisory board for Miga Health; and reports participation on Data Safety Monitoring Board for Janssen and Novartis.

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Kelsey, M.D., Pagidipati, N.J. Should We “RESPECT EPA” More Now? EPA and DHA for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction. Curr Cardiol Rep 25, 1601–1609 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-023-01972-w

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