Omega 3 Index: The New Measure of Heart Health

From Dr. Oz to The Doctors, word is spreading about the Gene Smart Omega 3 Test! In the video above, Dr. Jim Sears from the TV show The Doctors discusses the Gene Smart Omega 3 Index Test. And, WBAL TV in Baltimore recently ran a great segment. Watch Video. See our In the News section for other stories including The Wall Street Journal and the LA Times.

"Before long, your personal omega 3 index just could be the new

cholesterol - the number you want to brag about"

Dr. Bernadine Healy M.D., Health Editor of US News & World Report. Read article.

Have You Checked Your Omega 3 Index?

It May Be the Your Most Important Number For Heart Health

The health benefits of omega-3s are well documented. Research shows that higher levels of omega-3 reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, whole body inflammation, and may play a critical role in slowing the biological aging process.

In recent years, a significant body of research has been published, many by scientific colleagues of Dr. Chilton, that show that the the Omega 3 Index, which measures the concentration of the specific Omega 3s, EPA and DHA, as a percent of total fatty acids in red blood cells, is a strong predictor of the risk of heart disease and especially sudden cardiac death.

omega 3 index blood test scale

Up to 90% Reduction in Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death

The preponderance of studies that have looked at Omega-3s have shown that levels of 8 percent or above are cardio-protective, and levels below 4 percent are associated with an increased relative risk for coronary heart disease. Using data from the Physicians’ Health Study and other studies, the Omega 3 Index was clearly related to risk of heart attack. For example, there was a greater than 90 percent reduction in risk of sudden cardiac death for the one-quarter of individuals with the highest Omega 3 Index compared to those with the lowest levels. That's right, greater than 90%! This predictive value was far greater than that associated with C-reactive protein (a 65 percent reduction in risk with the lowest CRP) or total cholesterol levels (a 35 percent reduction in risk with the lowest cholesterol).

Omega 3 Index and Coronary Heart Disease Risk
Individuals with a high Omega 3 Index have a decrease in

relative risk of sudden cardiac death by as much as 90%

These studies are remarkable. They suggest that all individuals should have their Omega 3 Index measured with an Omega-3 Test, just as cholesterol is routinely measured today. This is especially true for those at risk of heart disease and other inflammatory conditions.

The studies also indicate that the Omega 3 Index may be an independent risk factor that is not influenced by other heart disease risk factors like cholesterol or blood pressure. All risk factors, including the Omega 3 Index, should be addressed as part of an overall heart health risk reduction strategy.

Leading prevention-oriented health care providers including Cooper Clinic have begun offering the Omega 3 Index to their patients.

Omega-3s and Anti-Aging

The Omega-3 Index measures the omega-3s EPA and DHA as a measure of heart health. Now breaking research suggests these same Omega-3s may protect against biological aging. Learn more.

Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio and Whole Body Inflammation

The Gene Smart Omega 3 test also lets you check your Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio, which is a measure associated with whole body inflammation, or chronic inflammation. In his first book, Inflammation Nation, Dr. Chilton pioneered the awareness in America of the relationship between whole body inflammation and many of our largest and fastest growing health conditions including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, allergies, asthma and more!

Gene Smart is the first to make the Omega 3 Index blood test available directly to individuals as a convenient, at home "finger stick" test that measures both your Omega 3 Index and your Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio.