A new study published in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders highlights the significant role of dietary omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids in the global development of ischemic heart disease (IHD). This condition remains a leading cause of death worldwide, affecting approximately 200 million people. Despite available treatments such as medications and surgeries, including coronary artery bypass and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs), these approaches have shown limited effectiveness in addressing the root causes of IHD.
Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and lipid-regulating properties, all of which contribute to lowering the risk of IHD. However, limited research has been done on how varying levels of omega-3 intake across different regions and socioeconomic groups influence IHD risk globally. The study, based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 dataset, explored this relationship in depth.
In 2021, insufficient omega-3 intake led to a staggering 15.5 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and over 637,000 deaths from IHD, accounting for 8.2% and 7% of all IHD-related DALYs and deaths, respectively. Between 1990 and 2021, the global burden from IHD due to low omega-3 intake grew by approximately 0.6% in DALYs and 0.74% in deaths. However, when adjusted for population aging, both DALY and death rates from IHD declined by nearly 2% annually.
The study also identified significant gender disparities, with men experiencing higher disability and mortality rates from IHD linked to low omega-3 intake. DALY rates for men were 216 per 100,000 compared to 147 per 100,000 for women, and death rates were 8.5 versus 6.5 per 100,000, respectively. However, among individuals aged 75-79, this trend reversed, showing higher rates in women.
Geographically, South Asia experienced the highest burden of IHD linked to low omega-3 intake. In contrast, high-income regions such as the Asia Pacific had significantly lower rates. Among countries, India reported the highest burden, with 5,066 DALYs and 176 deaths per 100,000. Other countries with high burdens included China, the United States, and Pakistan. On the other end, the Maldives, Japan, and Singapore had the lowest rates.
From 1990 to 2021, both DALYs and deaths associated with low omega-3 intake increased in several countries, with Namibia showing the most significant rise. Meanwhile, Malaysia saw the greatest decrease in these figures. While most regions exhibited a decline in age-standardized rates of IHD due to low omega-3 intake, sub-Saharan Africa remained an exception.
The study also revealed that countries with higher sociodemographic index (SDI) quintiles showed a slow but steady reduction in IHD burden, though the effect was less pronounced in lower SDI countries.
The study underscores the urgent need for public health strategies aimed at promoting omega-3-rich foods, such as fish and nuts, particularly in high-risk regions like South Asia. Although there has been a decline in age-standardized rates of IHD-related DALYs and deaths over time, the overall number of IHD cases is on the rise, calling for targeted global policies to reduce this growing burden. Further research is needed to explore additional risk factors and assess the impact of improved dietary habits on reducing IHD morbidity and mortality worldwide.
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