Omega-3 Index and Sudden Cardiac Death

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is an unresolved health issue, and
responsible for 15% of all deaths in Western countries.
Epidemiologic evidence, as well as evidence from clinical trials,
indicates that increasing intake and high levels of
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) protect
from SCD and other major adverse cardiac events. Levels of EPA+DHA
are best assessed by the Omega-3 Index, representing the red cell
fatty acid content of EPA+DHA. Work is in progress that will
further define the value of the Omega- 3 Index as a risk factor for
SCD, other cardiac events, and as target for treatment with
EPA+DHA.