Survey of the erythrocyte EPA+DHA levels in the heart attack/stroke belt

Abstract Background The Omega-3 Index (O3I; erythrocyte EPA+DHA as a percent of total fatty acids) is inversely related to risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The cardioprotective target O3I is 8%–12%. O3I levels in American regions with high CVD risk are poorly characterized. Purpose To determine the O3I in individuals participating in a Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) survey in seven US cities in the CVD “belt.” Methods Fingerstick blood samples were analyzed for the O3I. Results The SNP cohort (n = 2177) had a mean (SD) O3I of 4.42% (1.12%). Only 1.2% were in the desirable range, whereas 42% had an undesirable ( Conclusions Individuals in the CVD “belt” had relatively low O3I levels. Since in other settings, a low O3I is associated with increased risk for CVD, this may be one factor contributing to the higher risk for CVD in this region of the US.