Low circulating omega-3 fatty acids linked to altered myocardial strain in hypertensive patients with preserved ejection fraction.

This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 364 patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, comprising 179 individuals with hypertension and 185 controls. The primary exposure was circulating omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels, assessed against left cardiac myocardial strain as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included left atrial functional parameters and left ventricular strain parameters.

The analysis revealed no significant differences in total omega-3 PUFA levels or their subtypes between the hypertensive and control groups, with all p-values greater than 0.05. However, specific fatty acids—docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)—were independently and negatively associated with multiple left ventricular strain parameters. Similarly, these specific fatty acids demonstrated independent negative associations with left atrial functional parameters.

No adverse events, serious adverse events, discontinuations, or tolerability issues were reported in this observational analysis. The study design inherently limits causal inference, as the title and abstract explicitly describe associations rather than causation. Regression methods were used to examine these relationships without establishing a cause-and-effect link.

Clinicians should interpret these results as observational associations only. The findings may inform future research into omega-3 status in hypertensive populations but do not currently support changing clinical management based on these specific fatty acid levels alone. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify the role of these nutrients in cardiac function.