By OmegaQuant
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects millions of adults — yet many don’t even know they have it. New research published in March highlights that individuals with PAD tend to have lower omega-3 levels, as measured by the Omega-3 Index, than those without the disease. This finding adds to growing evidence that getting enough of the right omega-3s — EPA and DHA — may help protect vascular health and reduce the risk of circulation-related complications.
What Is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?
Most people know that atherosclerosis — plaque buildup in the arteries — can lead to heart disease. But PAD is essentially the same process happening elsewhere in the body, especially in the legs and arms. When arteries in these limbs become narrowed or blocked, they can’t deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to meet the body’s demands, leading to pain, fatigue, and reduced mobility.
This condition, sometimes referred to as intermittent claudication, is the body’s way of signaling that the muscles aren’t getting sufficient blood flow during physical activity.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of PAD
According to the Mayo Clinic, PAD symptoms can include:
-
Cramping in the hips, thighs, or calves during walking or climbing stairs
-
Numbness or coldness in one leg compared to the other
-
Sores on the feet or legs that won’t heal
-
Slower hair or nail growth on the legs and feet
-
Shiny or discolored skin
-
Weak or absent pulse in the legs or feet
-
Erectile dysfunction in men
While these symptoms are concerning, some people with PAD experience no symptoms at all. This makes the condition especially dangerous — by the time it’s diagnosed, arterial damage is often advanced.
Who’s Most at Risk for PAD?
PAD becomes increasingly common with age, especially after 50, and affects nearly one-third of adults over 70. Certain lifestyle and medical factors can raise the risk even further, including:
-
Smoking
-
Diabetes
-
Obesity (BMI over 30)
-
High blood pressure or cholesterol
-
Family history of heart disease or stroke
-
High homocysteine levels, an amino acid linked to vascular damage
The American Heart Association estimates that more than 8.5 million Americans live with PAD. Yet, many remain undiagnosed, often mistaking leg pain or cramping as “just part of aging.”
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Detecting PAD early is crucial because the condition doesn’t just affect your legs — it increases your risk for heart attack, stroke, and coronary artery disease.
Doctors use several diagnostic tools, including:
-
Ankle-brachial index (ABI) to compare blood pressure in the legs and arms
-
Ultrasound (Duplex Imaging) or Doppler tests to assess blood flow
-
CT or MRI angiography for detailed vascular imaging
Once diagnosed, managing PAD usually involves lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, staying active, and controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. But recent research suggests that optimizing your omega-3 status could become an important addition to that list.
The Role of Omega-3s in Vascular Health
Omega-3 fatty acids — especially EPA and DHA — play multiple roles in supporting cardiovascular and circulatory function. They:
-
Improve endothelial function (the health of blood vessel linings)
-
Promote vasodilation, allowing vessels to relax and expand
-
Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
-
Stabilize arterial plaque and reduce stiffness
-
Help maintain healthy blood flow and prevent excessive clotting
These benefits explain why omega-3s have been widely studied for their potential to slow atherosclerosis and reduce cardiovascular risk.
What the New Study Found
A study published on March 18 in Lipids compared the Omega-3 Index of 145 patients with PAD to 34 healthy controls. The results were striking:
-
The average Omega-3 Index among PAD patients was 5%, compared to 6% in controls.
-
Even after adjusting for age, smoking, blood pressure, diabetes, and medication use, PAD patients consistently had lower omega-3 levels.
-
For every 1% decrease in the Omega-3 Index, the risk of PAD increased by 39%.
-
Each additional “pack-year” of smoking raised the odds of PAD by 4%.
According to Dr. Bill Harris, co-author of the study, “The lower inflammatory burden associated with a higher Omega-3 Index may be part of the explanation for these results. Whether long-term omega-3 supplementation or higher fish intake could prevent PAD should be explored in future trials.”
Supporting Evidence: Omega-3s and Inflammation
Previous studies have shown that individuals with higher omega-3 levels tend to have lower inflammatory markers such as CRP (C-reactive protein) and IL-6.
In one 2013 trial involving patients with PAD, researchers found that for every one standard deviation drop in the Omega-3 Index, CRP levels increased by 38% — a strong sign of systemic inflammation.
This relationship underscores omega-3s’ anti-inflammatory effects, which could help slow the progression of vascular disease and improve arterial health over time.
The Omega-3 Index: A Simple Test with Big Insights
The Omega-3 Index measures the percentage of EPA and DHA in red blood cell membranes — a reliable marker of long-term omega-3 intake.
-
An Omega-3 Index below 4% is considered high risk for cardiovascular disease.
-
4–8% indicates moderate risk.
-
Above 8% reflects optimal protection for heart and vascular health.
Taking a simple blood test can help you understand your omega-3 status and guide dietary or supplement decisions.
How to Support Arterial Health Naturally
If you’re concerned about PAD or cardiovascular risk, consider these steps:
-
Increase omega-3 intake through fatty fish (like salmon, mackerel, or sardines) or high-quality fish oil supplements.
-
Quit smoking — it’s one of the strongest modifiable risk factors for PAD.
-
Stay active, even with light walking or cycling to improve circulation.
-
Manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose through a balanced diet.
-
Monitor your Omega-3 Index regularly to ensure your levels remain in the optimal range.
The Takeaway
Peripheral artery disease can develop silently, but the right preventive strategies can make a powerful difference. Research increasingly shows that maintaining adequate omega-3 levels supports vascular flexibility, reduces inflammation, and may lower the risk of PAD.
Simple lifestyle changes — including omega-3 supplementation and regular monitoring of your Omega-3 Index — can help keep your arteries strong and your circulation healthy as you age.
