The Omega 3 Index: The New Measure of Heart Health

Word is spreading about the importance of the new Omega 3 Index as a strong indicator of heart disease risk. Dr. Jim Sears from the hit TV show The Doctors discusses the importance of omega 3s and the Gene Smart Omega 3 Index test in the video above. And, the Gene Smart Omega-3 Index was recently featured on WBAL News. Watch Video. See our In the News section for other recent media coverage 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 Most Important Number You'll Know

The health benefits of omega-3s are well documented. Research shows that higher levels of omega-3 reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, inflammation, lower triglycerides and promote brain health.

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 specific Omega 3s 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. Perhaps not surprisingly, these specific Omega 3s are EPA + DHA, the very ones that are a major focus of the Gene Smart Program!

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 and sudden cardiac death. 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, 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.

And now, 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.