If you have a family history of heart problems, you’re probably on the lookout for a way to improve your cardiac care as you age. When it comes to the cardiovascular system, an important area of your life is your diet. Certain nutrients, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, can significantly improve your heart health, reducing cardiac care. Use the following guide to learn more about these nutrients, and how to increase your intake.

How Omega-3 Contributes to Heart Health

There are three main types of Omega-3 fatty acids—alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These are unsaturated fatty acids, which serve to minimize inflammation. This is especially important when it comes to the circulatory system, as inflamed blood vessels can result in major cardiovascular consequences such as clots.  

When you get an adequate amount of Omega-3s, blood clotting is reduced, lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The fatty acids are also known to minimize heartbeat irregularities, lower blood pressure, and decrease the number of triglycerides (fat particles) in your blood. As a result, studies have shown that increasing your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids could reduce the risk of having a heart attack. 

How to Get More of It in Your Diet

Unfortunately, the body can’t manufacture ALA on its own, and it needs ALA to make small amounts of the other fatty acids, EPA and DHA. Therefore, it’s important to supplement your diet with all three. 

To increase your consumption of ALA, you’ll need to use plant oils when cooking, such as canola and soybean. You can also add more flax seeds into your diet, such as sprinkled in granola or blended into smoothies. For EPA and DHA, focus on eating at least two servings of fish per week. Culinary favorites like salmon, cod, and even canned tuna are all significant sources of Omega-3 fatty acids.

If you’re hoping to improve your cardiac care regimen with more tips like these, reach out to DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, MD, PA of Rochelle Park, NJ.  Dr. Leonard DiVagno has been caring for area patients for over 20 years, helping to diagnose and treat a variety of heart issues. Whether you’re interested in testing or currently dealing with cardiovascular disease, call (201) 845-3535 to schedule your appointment. You can also learn more about this trusted cardiologist by visiting his website.