Omega-3 Supplements for Blocked Carotid Artery: Any Advice?

I am 66 years old. About 1 year ago, my ENT specialist recommended a Doppler ultrasound of the carotid arteries. Result: the right carotid has a 40% blockage. Now my primary care doctor says it's normal, but I am worried. I would appreciate some advice. Thank you.

Dear Olga,

The presence of slight arterial buildup is physiological with age. The phenomenon can even begin during adolescence; the speed at which it progresses varies from person to person. The result is a more or less significant obstruction of the arteries – in your case, of one of the carotids, that is, the arteries that run through the neck and supply blood to the structures in the neck and head.

Your doctor will undoubtedly have assessed your case with all the necessary care. On our part, we can remind you that carotid obstruction often does not cause symptoms until it seriously hinders blood flow, which is why it is important to diagnose it in the early stages and act on your lifestyle to prevent the situation from worsening.

Since the causes and mechanisms by which the carotids become obstructed are the same as those of other arteries, you can address the obstruction of your carotid just as you would any other atherosclerotic phenomenon.

What is atherosclerosis

Please note that atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease, and therefore molecules with anti-inflammatory properties found in food can help combat it.

The atherosclerosis process begins with the accumulation of cholesterol-rich particles (mainly the so-called LDL, Low Density Lipoprotein) inside the arteries and can culminate with the rupture of the atherosclerotic plaque and the formation of clots. The event that triggers cholesterol accumulation is damage to the tissue lining the inner wall of the artery (the endothelium); risk factors such as high blood pressure, abnormal lipid levels, obesity, diabetes, smoking, and oxidative stress impair the tone of blood vessels and anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant capabilities, promoting both the accumulation of LDL (mostly oxidized) and the adhesion of white blood cells and platelets to the damaged area.

The reason white blood cells arrive at the damaged site is the production of inflammatory molecules (cytokines) and other substances by the endothelial cells. Inflammation also activates the liver, which produces fibrinogen, a molecule that induces platelet aggregation.

How to address atherosclerosis

Periodic checkups are essential to assess the progress of your condition, but not only that. Given the role of blood pressure, cholesterol, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the development of atherosclerosis, and since many of its risk factors depend on lifestyle, acting on the latter is equally fundamental. 

In general, it is recommended to:

• consume a wide variety of fruits and vegetables abundantly;
• prefer whole grain cereals (and their derivatives);
• choose healthier protein sources, such as legumes, nuts, fish and shellfish, low-fat dairy products, and lean (unprocessed) poultry;
• season with liquid, non-tropical vegetable oils, especially extra virgin olive oil;
• minimize consumption of added sugars, salt, and ultra-processed foods;
• limit alcohol consumption;
• do not smoke;
• engage in regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week if moderate intensity, or at least 75 minutes if vigorous);
• maintain a healthy weight and, if necessary, lose weight.

An extra help may come from a dietary supplement containing ingredients capable of counteracting the risk factors for atherosclerosis. The most suitable product depends on your overall health; based on the information you have provided, the action of Cardiol® Forte could be useful to you, as thanks to the antioxidant action of its active ingredients, it may help stabilize the atherosclerotic plaques already present.

Cardiol® Forte: a help against artery obstruction

Cardiol® Forte is a supplement based on dry artichoke leaf extract (Cynara cardunculus L.) standardized in chlorogenic acid and luteolin 7-glucoside, with Omega 3 EPA and DHA, olive polyphenols (Olea europea L.), monacolins from red yeast rice, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, folic acid and piperine from black pepper fruit dry extract.

In addition to being associated with the inhibition of cholesterol synthesis, the standardized artichoke extract counteracts the oxidation of LDL. Vitamin E is also a well-known antioxidant. However, the active ingredients for which we suggest you consider, with your doctor or nutritionist, the intake of Cardiol® Forte are especially the Omega 3 EPA and DHA and olive polyphenols.

The anti-inflammatory action of Omega 3

In fact, Omega 3s are characterized by marked anti-inflammatory properties, based on several mechanisms:

• the molecules that regulate inflammatory processes are derived from fats, and those produced from EPA and DHA have lower inflammatory potential compared to those obtained from other fats;
• EPA and DHA are also precursors of anti-inflammatory molecules that can resolve already ongoing inflammatory phenomena;
• Omega 3s regulate the activity of proteins and other factors involved in inflammatory processes, exerting an anti-inflammatory effect.

Moreover, Omega 3s also regulate the immune system: by inhibiting the activity of white blood cells and regulating their interactions and production of inflammatory molecules. Finally, Omega 3s exert an anti-thrombotic and anti-platelet aggregation action.

The benefits of olive oil polyphenols

Olive polyphenols (such as oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol) have also been associated with inflammation regulation. For example, the PREDIMED study (PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea) associated the addition to a Mediterranean diet of 1 liter per week of extra virgin olive oil (particularly rich in polyphenols) with reduced inflammatory cytokines in people at high cardiovascular risk. The same authors demonstrated that this addition helps to stabilize atherosclerotic plaques.

Other authors have more specifically demonstrated the benefits of hydroxytyrosol and the advantages of polyphenol-rich olive oil against inflammation typical of women with blood pressure up to 159/99 mmHg.

How to take Cardiol® Forte

The supplementation of the daily diet with Cardiol® Forte generally involves taking 1 capsule per day, preferably before dinner, as part of a healthy and balanced diet; regarding the latter, information collected from scientific literature suggests that adhering to the principles of the Mediterranean Diet may be a good choice. However, we remind you that even in the case of how to take dietary supplements, including Cardiol® Forte, the final decision rests with your doctor or nutritionist, who knows your specific case in detail, such as allergies, any medications you may be taking, and altered risk factors.

Hoping to have been of help, we remain at your disposal for any further questions or clarifications.

Best wishes.

The Omegor team

References:

Golanski J, Szymanska P, Rozalski M. Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Metabolites on Haemostasis-Current Perspectives in Cardiovascular Disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Feb 27;22(5):2394. doi: 10.3390/ijms22052394

Ismail A, Ravipati S, Gonzalez-Hernandez D, Mahmood H, Imran A, Munoz EJ, Naeem S, Abdin ZU, Siddiqui HF. Carotid Artery Stenosis: A Look Into the Diagnostic and Management Strategies, and Related Complications. Cureus. 2023 May 9;15(5):e38794. doi: 10.7759/cureus.38794

Mehmood A, Usman M, Patil P, Zhao L, Wang C. A review on management of cardiovascular diseases by olive polyphenols. Food Sci Nutr. 2020 Aug 13;8(9):4639-4655. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.1668

Pahwa R, Jialal I. Atherosclerosis. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507799/

Reiner MF, Bertschi DA, Werlen L, Wiencierz A, Aeschbacher S, Lee P, Rodondi N, Moutzouri E, Bonati L, Reichlin T, Moschovitis G, Rutishauser J, Kühne M, Osswald S, Conen D, Beer JH. Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Markers of Thrombosis in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation. Nutrients. 2024 Jan 5;16(2):178. doi: 10.3390/nu16020178

Souza PAL, Marcadenti A, Portal VL. Effects of Olive Oil Phenolic Compounds on Inflammation in the Prevention and Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease. Nutrients. 2017 Sep 30;9(10):1087. doi: 10.3390/nu9101087

Stanford Medicine. Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease. Last viewed: 11/26/24

The American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations. Last viewed: 11/26/24