Studies have shown that DHA plays a positive role in various cardiovascular health conditions, highlighted below. 

Blood pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension), defined as values above 130/80 mmHg, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and organ damage, with contributors including stress and hyperlipidemia. Evidence points to a beneficial role of DHA in lowering blood pressure: higher plasma DHA levels are inversely correlated with diastolic pressure, and supplementation studies show consistent reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, particularly in men and individuals with hypertension or hyperlipidemia. While findings in women are less consistent, more recent trials indicate that DHA lowers blood pressure in both sexes, contrasting with EPA, which may raise it. Overall, DHA supplementation appears to support cardiovascular health by reducing resting blood pressure in both healthy individuals and those with elevated levels. Click here for topic overview
 
Thrombosis
Thrombosis, the pathological formation of blood clots that obstruct blood flow, is a leading cause of death worldwide and can result in life-threatening events such as heart attacks, strokes, and pulmonary embolisms. Evidence suggests omega-3 fatty acids play a protective role in this context. In vitro studies show that EPA and DHA are incorporated into platelets, reducing thrombin generation, fibrin accumulation, and vessel-blocking clot formation without impairing wound healing. Large population data further indicate that higher omega-3 intake lowers the risk of venous thromboembolism, particularly in provoked cases such as post-surgery or trauma, with the strongest protection seen against pulmonary embolism. Importantly, supplementation with EPA and DHA (even in patients taking platelet aggregation inhibitors) does not increase bleeding risk or adverse coagulation events. Together, these findings support a beneficial role of EPA and DHA in reducing thrombosis risk while maintaining normal haemostatic function. Click here for topic overview
 
Haemodialysis
Haemodialysis patients, who often suffer from chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease, have an elevated risk of cardiovascular complications and mortality. This is partly due to anaemia, inflammation, oxidative stress, and dyslipidaemia that are common in haemodialysis patients. Research indicates that DHA may offer important cardiovascular protection in this population. Long-term observational data show that higher circulating DHA levels are associated with reduced all-cause mortality, particularly in women. Clinical trials further show that supplementation with DHA, alone or combined with EPA, improves key cardiovascular markers: it lowers inflammation, reduces erythropoiesis resistance, and improves outcomes in peripheral artery disease, with stronger effects at higher doses. Importantly, these benefits occurred alongside standard haemodialysis treatment without adverse interference. Overall, DHA appears to provide meaningful cardiovascular support and survival benefits for patients undergoing haemodialysis. Click here for topic overview
 
Hypertriglyceridemia
Hypertriglyceridemia is characterized by excessive circulating triglycerides and is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis and pancreatitis. Furthermore, it is often associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. Current treatments such as dietary changes and statins have limited effects on triglyceride reduction, making omega-3 fatty acids an important therapeutic option. Clinical and mechanistic studies show that DHA and EPA supplementation lowers triglyceride levels, improves vascular function, and favourably alters lipid metabolism. Crucially, DHA appears to exert stronger effects on inflammation and lipid regulation than EPA. Some studies report an accompanying rise in LDL cholesterol with DHA, potentially due to conversion of very-low-density lipoproteins, though this may be offset by increased LDL particle size, which is considered less atherogenic. Meta-analyses confirm the triglyceride-lowering effect of omega-3 fatty acids, especially when combined with statins, which mitigate LDL increases. Overall, DHA shows consistent benefits in hypertriglyceridemia by lowering triglycerides and improving markers of lipid metabolism, though its exact effects on LDL require further clarification.  Click here for topic overview
 
Metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is defined by the presence of a cluster of conditions including abdominal obesity, hypertension, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, and elevated fasting glucose. Related to this, metabolic syndrome substantially increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. It is closely tied to insulin resistance and chronic inflammation and may also arise as a side effect of long-term medication use, such as corticosteroids or antipsychotics. In schizophrenia, antipsychotic treatment elevates the risk of metabolic syndrome, contributing to increased cardiometabolic mortality. Research suggests omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA may help counteract this risk. Click here for topic overview