Should I Be Taking Fish Oil For My Heart?
, 1 min reading time
One common question we hear in pharmacy is “Should I be taking fish oil for my heart?” Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide, so understanding how to improve heart health is essential. Let’s unpack what fish oil is and if it can assist with heart health.
What is Fish Oil?
Fish oil is rich in a type of fat called omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, of which EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are the most talked about. These are called “long-chain” omega-3s because of their chemical structure, and the body cannot make them in significant amounts, so we rely on dietary sources such as fatty fish (like salmon, mackerel, sardines and trout) or supplements to get them.
Australian heart health authorities, including the National Heart Foundation, recommend consuming 2–3 servings of oily fish per week as a primary source of EPA and DHA.
The Alfred Health (Bayside Health) Integrative Cardiac Wellness Program acknowledges omega-3 fish oils as part of complementary therapies for cardiac patients. They note that omega-3s may help reduce inflammation and triglycerides, and in people with existing heart disease may reduce future heart attack or stroke risk. Like the National Heart Foundation, Alfred Health emphasise that dietary intake of oily fish should come first, with supplementation considered where appropriate under professional guidance.
Not all fish oils are created equal, with many varying with the amount of EPA and DHA in each. Before starting fish oil or any supplement, it’s a good idea to speak to your Pharmacist, GP or cardiologist, especially if you take blood thinners, have heart rhythm issues, or are on multiple medications.
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References
3. https://www.cochrane.org/evidence/CD003177_omega-3-intake-cardiovascular-disease