Ask the Pharmacist
Which Omega-3 for soft plaque in the middle of the artery?
Dear Emanuele,
Your lifestyle and diet are certainly correct and able to minimize cardiovascular risk factors. The blood values you reported are quite positive. Especially positive is the cardiovascular risk index obtained from the ratio between total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. In men, this value should be less than 5: in your case, it is 3.68.
Omega-3 fatty acids are important nutrients for the proper functioning of the body. They particularly influence the blood concentration of HDL (promoting its increase) and triglycerides, effectively contributing to their reduction.
Omega-3 fatty acids do not have a particular effect on reducing total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. For this purpose, we have developed Cardiol, which combines Omega-3 (450 mg/capsule) with red yeast rice, policosanols, and other active ingredients with greater specificity against hypercholesterolemia. Red yeast rice contains monacolin K (3 mg/capsule), a natural statin structurally very similar to lovastatin.
Recent clinical studies have shown that combining fish oil with red yeast rice is effective in reducing cholesterol levels comparable to prescription statins. Patients intolerant to statins have taken Cardiol with satisfactory results and without side effects. Other components of the formulation, such as bioflavonoids, policosanols, tocotrienols, and vitamin B3, work synergistically with red yeast rice, effectively promoting LDL cholesterol reduction.
I recommend you discuss with your doctor the possibility of using Cardiol, perhaps initially, and decide with him the appropriate therapy. The recommended daily dose is 1 pearl, preferably taken before dinner, for at least 8 weeks. After this initial supplementation phase, repeating the tests will allow you to evaluate the treatment effect.
The maintenance dose of Omega-3 should be established through blood tests that allow monitoring of your nutritional status, highlighting whether the amount of EPA and DHA you are taking is sufficient to ensure an Omega-3 index above 8.
The Omega-3 index measures how many fatty acids are present in the cell membranes of our body and, unlike other tests (e.g., Zone Test), provides an accurate assessment of the individual's nutritional status. This is because the Omega-3 concentration measured on erythrocyte membranes is stable and not influenced by the diet of the days preceding the test.
U.G.A. Nutraceuticals has developed Omegor Test, a system capable of providing the measurement of the Omega-3 Index through capillary blood sampling: Omegor Test - Measuring your own wellness. I hope I have been helpful and remain available for any further information.
Best regards.
Dr. Rosaria Ramondino Pharmacist and Pharmaceutical Chemist
