Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil play important roles in brain function, growth, development and inflammation. But before you run to the pharmacy, it’s important to understand the benefits and limitations omega-3 fatty acids offer your heart health.

Fish oil benefits

The most obvious and direct benefit is the impact good fats, such as omega-3, have on triglycerides. High levels of triglycerides are a risk factor for heart disease largely because they can lead to high blood pressure.

“For people who have elevated triglycerides, eating a diet higher in omega-3 can lower triglycerides,” said Dr. Michael McGill, a Marshfield Clinic Health System cardiologist. “Taking four grams per day of prescription fish oil has been found to be a safe and effective way to lower triglycerides in people with elevated levels.”

The limits of fish oil

“While it’s evident that a low triglyceride level is good for your heart, it’s far less clear if high levels are an independent risk factor for whether someone will have a heart attack,” Dr. McGill said.

That’s because many people with high levels of triglycerides also have other risk factors for heart disease. Dr. McGill said it’s been difficult for this reason to determine if it’s the triglycerides alone causing the heart condition. Several studies say it’s not an independent risk factor.

Fish oil and heart attacks

A common perception is that regularly eating fish oil reduces the number of heart attacks, stroke and death. Observational studies have shown that populations that consume oily fish have lower rates of heart disease. But taking fish oil supplements has not been proven to provide the same benefit.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that omega-3 fatty acid supplements did not reduce heart attacks, strokes or deaths from heart disease in people without any risk factors for heart disease.

“If you want to decrease your chance of having a heart attack or stroke and death, then it’s best to talk to your doctor about statin therapy,” Dr. McGill said.

Bottom line

Regular consumption of fish oil along with a heart healthy diet and exercise can lower your risk of heart disease.

If you’d like to try fish oil in supplement form, remember the Food and Drug Administration does not review or approve their safety and effectiveness.

If you are taking over-the-counter fish oil, consider talking to your doctor about the benefits and limitations of omega-3 fatty acids for your health.

For questions about fish oil, talk to a Marshfield Clinic Health System provider.

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