New Research Connects Heart Health and Cognitive Function
Recent findings presented at the American Heart Association meeting in Philadelphia reveal that omega-3 supplementation may offer significant cognitive benefits for individuals with coronary artery disease—a group already at elevated risk for dementia.
The study followed 250 people with coronary artery disease over a 30-month period. Half of the participants took omega-3 supplements, while the other half served as a control group. Those taking omega-3s performed better in key areas of cognitive function—coordination, reaction speed, memory, and recall—both after one year and at the end of the study.
What sets this study apart is its proactive approach. “Other researchers have looked at omega-3 fatty acids in people who already have cognitive impairment or dementia,” said Dr. Francine Welty of Harvard Medical School. “But the people we looked at were cognitively healthy, and we found there may be a benefit from omega-3 fatty acids before cognitive decline begins.”
Understanding the Link Between Heart Disease and Brain Health
Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, are essential components of cell membranes and play a critical role in heart function. While the body needs these fats to thrive, it cannot produce them on its own. That makes dietary sources like salmon, tuna, and herring—or supplements such as fish oil or algal oil—vital for maintaining adequate levels.
Coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common form of heart disease in the U.S., affects approximately 16.5 million Americans. It occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart, significantly increasing the risk of a heart attack. Unfortunately, CAD is also closely associated with a higher risk of developing dementia, especially vascular dementia, due to compromised blood flow to the brain.
Promising Evidence for Depression in Heart Failure Patients
This new brain-heart link isn’t the only area where omega-3s have shown promise. A separate study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology examined the impact of omega-3s on depression in individuals with heart failure.
Heart failure patients are four to five times more likely to suffer from depression, and treatment options for this population remain limited. However, researchers observed a strong relationship between higher omega-3 blood levels and reduced depression symptoms, along with improvements in social functioning.
Why Measuring Omega-3 Status Is Crucial
The effectiveness of omega-3 supplementation depends heavily on the dose used and how it translates into blood levels. Many studies that fail to demonstrate benefits may simply not use high enough doses to elevate the Omega-3 Index—a blood biomarker measuring EPA and DHA—to the optimal 8% or higher.
To address this issue, researchers developed a dose prediction model, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, that calculates how much EPA and DHA is needed to raise Omega-3 Index levels over a 13-week period. For instance:
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If your baseline Omega-3 Index is 4%, a daily intake of 1500 mg (triglyceride form) may be needed to reach 8%
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For a starting point of 6%, just 750 mg per day may suffice
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For a lower baseline of 2%, closer to 2200 mg per day might be necessary
These insights make it clear: having a dose calculator doesn’t replace the need for blood testing. Establishing a baseline Omega-3 Index is essential for tailoring dosage to individual needs.
Comparing Omega-3 Index to Cholesterol as a Risk Marker
A separate study funded by the NIH and published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology drew an eye-opening conclusion: Omega-3 Index may be just as important, if not more so, than cholesterol in predicting heart disease risk.
This research found strong associations between higher Omega-3 Index levels and reduced risk of total cardiovascular events, coronary heart disease, and strokes. Interestingly, the strongest correlation was with lower risk of non-cardiovascular, non-cancer deaths—suggesting omega-3s may play a broader protective role in overall health.
When cholesterol and Omega-3 Index were compared side by side, only the Omega-3 Index showed significant associations with multiple health outcomes. “We all know cholesterol is a major risk factor for CHD,” said lead author Dr. William Harris. “But in this analysis, cholesterol didn’t predict outcomes—whereas Omega-3 Index did.”
Final Thoughts
The growing body of evidence suggests that maintaining optimal omega-3 levels may offer a powerful means of supporting both heart and brain health, especially for those already at risk of cardiovascular disease. These findings reinforce the importance of personalized dosing, routine Omega-3 Index testing, and proactive nutritional strategies.
With its clean, high-quality formulations rich in EPA and DHA, Ballstad Omega-3 is a smart and reliable choice for individuals looking to protect both heart and cognitive health through targeted nutrition.
Let your wellness journey begin with knowledge—and the right dose.
