From the Guidelines
No supplements have been scientifically proven to reverse coronary artery disease (CAD), and the most effective strategy for managing CAD involves comprehensive lifestyle changes and medical supervision, rather than relying on supplements alone. While some supplements like omega-3 fatty acids may support heart health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels, they cannot reverse established atherosclerosis or structural heart damage 1. The American Heart Association recommends that patients with documented CAD consume 1 g of EPA+DHA per day, preferably from oily fish, although EPA+DHA supplements could be considered in consultation with their physician 1. However, the most recent guideline from the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology joint committee on clinical practice guidelines states that the use of nonprescription or dietary supplements, including fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids, is not recommended in patients with chronic coronary disease given the lack of benefit in reducing cardiovascular events 1.
Some key points to consider when managing CAD include:
- Comprehensive lifestyle changes, including a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, smoking cessation, and medication adherence as prescribed by your doctor
- The importance of medical supervision and addressing multiple risk factors simultaneously
- The potential benefits and risks of supplements, and the need to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen
- The lack of evidence supporting the use of supplements as a replacement for established treatments for CAD
In terms of specific supplements, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have some benefits in reducing cardiovascular events, particularly in patients with high CV risk 1. However, the evidence is not strong enough to support the use of supplements as a primary treatment for CAD, and more research is needed to fully understand their effects.
Overall, the most effective approach to managing CAD involves a comprehensive and multifaceted strategy that includes lifestyle changes, medical supervision, and evidence-based treatments, rather than relying on supplements alone. The use of supplements should be carefully considered and individualized, and should only be used in conjunction with established treatments and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
From the Research
Supplements for Reversing Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to significantly reduce the risk for sudden death caused by cardiac arrhythmias and all-cause mortality in patients with known coronary heart disease 2
- A whole-food plant-based (WFPB) diet in combination with healthful lifestyle modifications has been shown to be an effective approach to managing and reversing the progression of coronary artery disease 3
- Diets with customary levels of fat from plant origin may reverse coronary artery disease, and evidence is accumulating to show that atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease are reversed with diets containing customary levels of fat 4
- Omega-3 fatty acid-statin interaction may be a novel therapeutic strategy for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with statins and n-3 fatty acids having pleiotropic actions that overlap, including improving endothelial function, modulation of inflammation, and stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques 5
- The best available evidence for a role of omega-3 fatty acids in ASCVD risk reduction is for 4 g/day of icosapent ethyl (IPE), as an adjunct to statin therapy, for patients with ASCVD or diabetes mellitus and elevated triglycerides 6
Key Findings
- Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, have been shown to reduce triglyceride levels and decrease the risk of cardiovascular events 2, 5, 6
- A diet containing customary levels of fat from plant sources, low in saturated fat content, may be effective in reversing coronary artery disease 4
- A whole-food plant-based diet, in combination with lifestyle modifications, can manage and reverse the progression of coronary artery disease 3