The Omega-3 Index (red blood cell EPA plus DHA) is a promising biomarker, with levels under 4% associated with a tenfold increased risk of sudden cardiac death compared to levels over 8%.
The Omega-3 Index is defined as the percentage of eicosapentaenoic acid plus docosahexaenoic acid in red blood cell fatty acids, assessed by a standardized methodology. Better than fatty-acid compositions in other compartments, the Omega-3 Index represents a person's status in eicosapentaenoic acid plus docosahexaenoic acid. An Omega-3 Index less than 4% is associated with a tenfold risk for sudden cardiac death in comparison to an Omega-3 Index greater than 8%. Mechanisms of action are plausible and large-scale intervention studies in humans support causality. A low Omega-3 Index may also be a risk factor for coronary artery disease and for complications of congestive heart failure. Ongoing research will define the value of the Omega-3 Index as a risk factor and treatment parameter more precisely.
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Clemens von Schacky (2009) conducted a review in Cardiac Disease. Omega-3 Index < 4% vs. Omega-3 Index > 8% was evaluated on sudden cardiac death (tenfold risk).
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