The effect of omega-3 fatty acids on coronary atherosclerosis quantified by coronary computed tomography angiography

•Omega-3-PUFA reduce coronary “high-risk” plaque quantified CTA.•Omega-3-PUFA increase density.•Our study supports the beneficial effect of Omega-3-PUFA for cardiovascular event prevention. Background & aimsData on effects omega-3 fatty acids artery disease (CAD) are contradictory. While a recent metanalysis could not show improved outcomes, anti-atherogenic mechanisms well known.ObjectiveAim was to assess influence Omega-3 polyunsaturated long-chain (PUFA) supplementation atherosclerosis by computed tomography angiography (CTA).Methods106 patients (59.4y± 10.7; 50% females) with low-to-intermediate risk referred CTA were included. 53 under omega 3-PUFA (docosahexaenoic acid, DHA and eicosapentaenoic EPA) retrospectively matched controls (CR) age, gender profile (smoking, arterial hypertension, family history, dyslipidemia, c-LDL, Cholesterol, TG, diabetes) (1:1, propensity score) lifestyle habits (exercise, alcohol consumption nutrition).CTA analysis included 1) stenosis severity score >70%severe, 50–70% moderate, 25–50%mild, <25% minimal), 2) total burden (segment involvement (SIS) mixed non-calcified (G-score) 3) high-risk-plaque features (Napkin-Ring-Sign, low attenuation (LAP), spotty calcification<3 mm, RI>1.1). CT-Density (Hounsfield Units, HU) CTA.ResultsPrevalence (any plaque: 83% vs. 90.6%, p = 0.252), >50% (p 0.134) different between groups.Total scores lower in group (2.7 3.5, 0.08 4.5 7.4, 0.027 SIS G-score, resp.). Coronary calcium (CACS) similar (84.7 87.1AU). High-risk-plaque prevalence (3.8% 32%, < 0.001); number high-risk-plaques 0.001) Napkin-Ring-Sign 20.9%) 0.001), resp.CT-density (HU) higher (131.6 ± 2 62.1 27, 0.02) indicating more fibrous-dense component rather than lipid-rich atheroma. Mean duration intake 38.6 52 months (range, 2–240).ConclusionsOmega-3-PUFA is associated less atherosclerotic (lipid-rich) independent factors. Our direct Omega-3-PUFA. Data known. Aim (CTA). 106 nutrition). CTA. Prevalence groups. Total resp. CT-density 2–240).