Survey of the erythrocyte EPA+DHA levels in the heart attack/stroke belt. (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harris, W.S.; Jackson, K.H.; Brenna, J.T.; Rodriguez, J.C.; Tintle, N.L.; Cornish, L.
• Is Part Of: Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids. Volume 148(2019)
• Page Start: 30
• Page End: 34
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: Fish oil -- Eicosapentaenoic acid -- Docosahexaenoic acid -- Fish -- Omega-3 index -- Community survey; Abbreviations: CVD, Cardiovascular disease -- CHD, Coronary heart disease -- O3I, Omega-3 index -- EPA, Eicosapentaenoic acid -- DHA, Docosahexaenoic acid -- SNP, Seafood nutrition partnership -- HDLab, Health diagnostic laboratory -- FHS, Framingham heart study; Lipids -- Periodicals; Unsaturated fatty acids -- Periodicals; Prostaglandins -- Periodicals; Leukotrienes -- Periodicals; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated -- Periodicals; Acides gras insaturés -- Périodiques; Prostaglandines -- Périodiques; Leucotriènes -- Périodiques; Lipides -- Périodiques; 612.01577
• DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2019.07.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0952-3278

Abstract

Highlights: The southeast/south central region of the US is known as the "Stroke/Heart Attack Belt." Little is known about EPA+DHA erythrocyte levels (Omega-3 Index) of people in this region. We measured the Omega-3 Index in 2177 individuals participating in free health screens in 7 cities in this region. Mean Omega-3 Index levels were 4.4%, which is lower than that of 2 comparator cohorts. Low Omega-3 Index levels in this region correlates with a higher risk for disease. Abstract: Background: The Omega-3 Index (O3I; erythrocyte EPA+DHA as a percent of total fatty acids) is inversely related to risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The cardioprotective target O3I is 8%–12%. O3I levels in American regions with high CVD risk are poorly characterized. Purpose: To determine the O3I in individuals participating in a Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) survey in seven US cities in the CVD "belt." Methods: Fingerstick blood samples were analyzed for the O3I. Results: The SNP cohort ( n = 2177) had a mean (SD) O3I of 4.42% (1.12%). Only 1.2% were in the desirable range, whereas 42% had an undesirable (<4%) O3I. The mean (SD) O3I in a subset of 772 SNP subjects who were matched for age and sex with the Framingham study was 4.6% (1.2%) compared 5.3% (1.6%) in the Framingham cohort ( p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Individuals in the CVD "belt" had relatively low O3I levels. Since in other settings, a low O3I is associated with increased risk for CVD, this may be one factor contributing to the higher risk for CVD in this region of the US.