The term “stroke belt” refers to a cluster of southeastern U.S. states—like Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina—where the risk of stroke and heart disease is significantly higher than the national average. Now, a new study published in Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids reveals another alarming link: residents in these states also have remarkably low levels of omega-3 fatty acids, as measured by the Omega-3 Index.
What Is the Omega-3 Index?
The Omega-3 Index is a blood test that measures the levels of EPA and DHA—two long-chain omega-3 fatty acids—in red blood cells. A low index (under 4%) is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events, including sudden cardiac death. An index of 8% or higher is considered optimal and heart-protective.
Many studies have confirmed the relationship between low omega-3 status and an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and arrhythmia. Yet large swaths of the U.S., particularly in the Southeast, appear to be critically low in these essential nutrients.
A Snapshot of the Stroke Belt’s Omega-3 Deficiency
In this new study, 2,177 participants across seven “stroke belt” cities—including Jacksonville (FL), Lexington (KY), Memphis (TN), and Oklahoma City (OK)—received free Omega-3 Index screenings at community health events.
The results were startling:
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42% of participants had an Omega-3 Index below 4% (classified as “undesirable”)
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Only 1% reached the optimal range of 8% or higher
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This means nearly half were at 90% higher risk of sudden cardiac death
These screenings, conducted by the Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) and analyzed by Dr. Bill Harris of OmegaQuant, paint a sobering picture: widespread omega-3 deficiency could be one factor contributing to elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) rates in these regions.
Diet and Cardiovascular Risk in the Southeast
According to the long-running REGARDS study (Reasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke), lifestyle and dietary choices are largely to blame for the region's high stroke and heart disease rates.
The so-called “Southern Dietary Pattern” features:
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High consumption of fried foods
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Saturated fats from red meat and processed foods
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Low intake of omega-3-rich fish
This combination is linked not only to heart disease and stroke, but also to obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes—all of which are prevalent in the stroke belt.
Why Omega-3s Matter for Heart and Brain Health
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, are vital for:
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Supporting heart rhythm stability
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Lowering triglycerides and improving lipid profiles
The American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish—like salmon, mackerel, or sardines—at least twice per week. Yet due to cost, accessibility, or misinformation, many individuals in high-risk areas are falling short of these recommendations.
Omega-3 Status: A Strong Predictor of Heart Disease
Dr. Harris compared the findings from the SNP study to other national datasets like the Framingham Heart Study. The results were stark:
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Only 1.2% of participants in the stroke belt had an optimal Omega-3 Index, compared to 7% nationally
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A much larger portion—42%—fell into the “undesirable” category, compared to 35% nationally
This gap highlights the urgent need for public health efforts to increase omega-3 intake in high-risk regions. As Dr. Harris emphasized: “Raising the Omega-3 Index through EPA and DHA intake could potentially reduce the elevated cardiovascular risk in these areas.”
How to Improve Omega-3 Levels
Raising your Omega-3 Index is simple and effective:
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Eat more oily fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, or albacore tuna
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Take a premium fish oil supplement with a proven amount of EPA and DHA
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Try fortified foods (like omega-3 enriched eggs, milk, or peanut butter)
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Use an Omega-3 Index test to measure your baseline and track your improvement
Ballstad Omega-3: A Smart Choice for Stroke and Heart Health
To help improve your omega-3 status, choose a high-quality fish oil supplement like Ballstad Omega-3. Sourced from clean, sustainable fisheries and rigorously tested for purity, Ballstad delivers the clinically recommended levels of EPA and DHA needed to:
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Reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke
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Support brain and cognitive function
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Maintain healthy blood pressure and triglycerides
Whether you live in a high-risk region or simply want to protect your long-term health, Ballstad Omega-3 offers a convenient, effective solution backed by science.
National Data Reinforces the Need for More Omega-3s
Beyond the stroke belt, large studies continue to support the benefits of omega-3s:
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The NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study (420,000+ participants) found that higher fish consumption was linked to reduced mortality from Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses
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In the REDUCE-IT trial, patients taking high-dose EPA (4 g/day) experienced a 25% reduction in cardiovascular events
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Other long-term studies showed reductions in heart attacks, vascular deaths, and even complications in type 2 diabetes patients taking omega-3s for several years
These findings make it clear: EPA and DHA are powerful tools in disease prevention, especially when measured and managed effectively through tools like the Omega-3 Index test.
Take Control of Your Heart Health—Wherever You Live
Whether you're in the stroke belt or not, low omega-3 levels are a modifiable risk factor. With proper education, dietary changes, and supplementation, communities can reduce the burden of heart disease.
And for individuals? The solution starts with one simple step: boosting your intake of EPA and DHA.
Ballstad Omega-3 can help you get there. Trusted, sustainable, and scientifically formulated—it’s your ally in building a stronger heart and a healthier future.
Get tested. Get informed. And get the omega-3s your heart needs—every day.
Credit: OmegaQuant Website
