Lower levels of omega 3 fatty acids have been linked to a significantly increased chance of getting heart disease and early death, asserts Dr. Jeremy London, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon with more than 25 years of medical experience under his belt.
Dr. London made the comments on an Instagram video posted in September 2025. He explained that most individuals are unaware of the state of their omega-3 levels. He said that the levels were never incorporated into general medical tests. However, there were widespread deficiencies of the population level, most of which were found in the US.
“Omega-3 levels are one of the most overlooked cardiovascular risk markers,” London said, noting that low levels are consistently associated with worse outcomes.
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‘15–30% higher risk’ linked to deficiency
Dr London said 80 to 90 percent of Americans fall below the optimal omega-3 index required for cardiovascular protection. He explained that individuals with low omega-3 levels face a higher likelihood of heart-related events and death.
“Having a low omega-3 index has been linked to higher rates of cardiovascular events and mortality,” he said. “The risk can be 15 to 30 percent higher compared to people with adequate levels.”
He added that even people who otherwise consider themselves healthy may still be deficient, citing personal testing within his family as an example.
Why omega-3 levels matter
According to Dr London, omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA play a direct role in cardiovascular health. He said these compounds help regulate blood fats, reduce inflammation and support the inner lining of blood vessels.
“Omega-3s have been shown to lower triglycerides, reduce inflammation and improve endothelial function,” he said, referring to the cells that line blood vessel walls.
Low omega-3 levels have been associated with:
Higher coronary heart disease mortality
Increased cardiovascular disease events
All-cause mortality
Early development of coronary atherosclerosis
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Improving omega-3 levels
Dr. London, however, stated that this level is increaseable through dietary measures and supplements. In this regard, Dr. London suggested increasing fatty acids from sources such as salmon, mackerel, and trout, and taking high-quality omega-3 supplements under a healthcare professional’s guidance.
Moreover, he also highlighted the importance of testing,noting that omega-3 deficiency often goes undetected because it is not part of standard lipid panels.
Note to readers: This article is based on publicly available statements shared on social media. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical advice.
