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Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

B

REDUCE-IT: 25% MACE reduction with high-dose EPA. Mixed results at lower doses (VITAL, ASCEND). Most beneficial in those with elevated triglycerides. AHA recommends for secondary prevention.

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            B

        

        

            
The Bottom Line

            
            
REDUCE-IT: 25% MACE reduction with high-dose EPA. Mixed results at lower doses (VITAL, ASCEND). Most beneficial in those with elevated triglycerides. AHA recommends for secondary prevention.

            
            
        

    











    
    

        
        

            

  
Key Statistics





            


    

        
20

        
Studies

    

    

        
50000

        
Participants

    

    

        
            
            ↑
            
        
        
Positive

    

    

        B

        
Grade

    




        


        
        

        
        
        

            

  
Dosage & Usage





            
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units


            
            

                
Commonly Used Dosages

                

                    
                    

                        
general:

                        
1,000 mg combined EPA/DHA per day

                    

                    
                    

                        
triglyceridereduction:

                        
2,000-4,000 mg/day (prescription-grade)

                    

                    
                

                
                

                    Upper limit: 5,000 mg/day combined EPA/DHA (FDA GRAS up to 3,000 mg/day from supplements)
                

                
            

            

            

            
            

                Best taken: With meals containing fat for optimal absorption; divide doses >2,000 mg
            

            
        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Safety & Side Effects





            

                
                

                    
Reported Side Effects

                    
    
                        
                        
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                            ⚠
                            Fishy aftertaste or burping
                        
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                            ⚠
                            Mild gastrointestinal discomfort
                        
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                            ⚠
                            Potential increased bleeding time at very high doses
                        
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                            ⚠
                            May increase atrial fibrillation risk at doses >2g/day
                        
    • 
                        
                    

                

                

                
                

                    
Known Interactions

                    
    
                        
                        
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                            ●
                            Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs (may increase bleeding risk at high doses)
                        
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                            Blood pressure medications (additive hypotensive effect)
                        
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                            Orlistat (may reduce omega-3 absorption)
                        
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                        Tolerable upper intake: 5,000 mg/day combined EPA/DHA (FDA GRAS up to 3,000 mg/day from supplements)
                    

                

                
            

            

                Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
            

        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Frequently Asked Questions





            




    
    

        
            Does Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) help with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
            
        
        

            Based on 20 studies with 50,000 participants, there is moderate evidence from clinical studies that Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) may support Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) management. Our evidence grade is B (Good Evidence).
        

    

    
    

        
            How much Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) should I take for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
            
        
        

            Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 1,000 mg combined EPA/DHA per day. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
        

    

    
    

        
            Are there side effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA)?
            
        
        

            Reported side effects may include Fishy aftertaste or burping, Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, Potential increased bleeding time at very high doses, May increase atrial fibrillation risk at doses >2g/day. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
        

    

    
    

        
            How strong is the evidence for Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) and Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
            
        
        

            We rate the evidence as Grade B (Good Evidence). This rating is based on 20 peer-reviewed studies with 50,000 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.
        

    

    




        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Related Evidence





            

                
                

                    
Other ingredients for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

                    

                        
                        
                            Folate (Vitamin B9)
                            C

                        
                        
                        
                            Magnesium
                            C

                        
                        
                        
                            Selenium
                            C

                        
                        
                    

                

                

                
                

                    
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) for other conditions

                    

                        
                        
                            High Triglycerides (Hypertriglyceridemia)
                            A

                        
                        
                        
                            Cardiac Arrhythmia
                            B

                        
                        
                    

                

                
            

        

        

    


    
    












    

        FDA Disclaimer:
        These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.