Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Intake on Lipid Metabolism and Plaque Volume in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

This systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) encompassed an overall sample size of 2061 patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease. The objective was to assess the impact of omega-3 fatty acids intake on lipid profiles and arterial plaque volume. Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation significantly reduced circulating levels of triglycerides (TGs) (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.38 to -0.11) and total cholesterol (TC) (SMD = -0.12, 95% CI = -0.23 to -0.02), with no significant impact on the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), or arterial plaque volume. Our omega-3 fatty acids dose-response analysis revealed a linear relationship with TG and a "J" shaped curve for TC and LDL-C levels. Our findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acids intake had a positive impact on the circulating levels of TG and TC. Our findings underscore the importance of tailoring omega-3 fatty acids dosage to individual patient needs in clinical practice. PROSPERO:CRD42023486434.