Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and hypertension: a review of vasoactive mechanisms and implications for cardiovascular disease
Abstract
Background and aim: Hypertension is an unparalleled risk factor among cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and has been reported to target over 1.4 billion people globally. The Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been put forward as possible non-pharmacological interventions to control blood pressure because they are known to be vasoactive. The purpose of the systematic review was to summarize available evidence on the vasoactive properties of omega-3 PUFAs, and how these properties apply in managing hypertension and reduction of cardiovascular risk.
Methods: Systematic review was done in compliance with the PRISMA guidelines. The search in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted to identify the publications published between 2010 and 2025. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and other related meta-analyses on the effect of EPA and/or DHA on blood pressure, and endothelial function, inflammation, lipid metabolism, and cardiovascular outcomes. Synthesis of data was done in the form of systematic narrative without quantitative pooling.
Results: Randomized controlled trial evidence has shown that omega-3 PUFA supplementation is linked with slight systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreases especially in hypertensive or those with high cardiometabolic risk persons. These effects have been shown to mediate via enhancement of endothelial nitric oxide…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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