¾«¶«´«Ã½

Exercise provides many benefits for improved health and quality of life. However, this repeated strain, over a long period of time, can have a lasting impact on the body, causing wear and tear to the joints, muscles, and organs such as the heart.

Lifestyle changes can often occur for athletes after they stop competing at the top level. Many of the health-related benefits may be lost and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) can be equal or in some cases higher than the rest of the population.

Continuing to look after their cardiovascular health should be a priority for all retired athletes.

This was certainly the case for Duncan Armstrong OAM, former competitive swimmer, two time Olympian and Olympic champion, who won gold and silver medals at the 1988 games in Seoul    

A few years ago, at the age of 52, Duncan experienced a heart attack. He survived and underwent bypass surgery, but the incident changed his approach to life.

In his quest to improve his health, Duncan and his son Tomas Bruce, have been exploring the latest medical research to best inform lifestyle and clinical management, especially as it relates to family history of cardiovascular disease. As part of this journey, and the team at UOW’s Graduate School of Medicine, including and PhD candidate , met with Duncan and Tomas to discuss and then apply their laboratory’s research in terms of the health benefits of dietary omega-3 fats for heart protection.

In Australia, CVD is the nation’s leading killer claiming the life of one in every four people. According to the Heart Research Institute, an Australian will die from CVD every 12 minutes.

Associate Professor Peoples said that although elite athletes benefit greatly from exercise regimes, the risk of CVD increases once they step back from intense training. But that’s where omega-3s come into play.

“In general, athletic training supports a strong and well-functioning heart and vascular system, which provides a level of protection from cardiovascular disease."

"When athletes finish their careers, depending on their lifestyle and inherited risks, their CVD risk may change and possibly there could be some wear and tear on the heart and vessels,” he said.

“Our long-term research at UOW has demonstrated, along with international studies, that having a regular intake of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet is protective for the heart, and global research has shown it can lower the risk of secondary cardiovascular events.”

Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for your health. They support heart health by lowering heart rate, blood pressure, and triglycerides—key factors that help reduce the risk of heart disease. Most notably is the evidence for direct cardio-protection, meaning that a heart with higher concentrations of omega-3, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in its membranes has improved arrythmia protection. In combination with clinical management, through a General Practitioner and Dietitian, specific dietary recommendations can be made in terms of daily omega-3 intake.  

^{Duncan Armstrong has his blood tested.} 

While omega-3s can be found in different foods, the best sources are fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel. These fish have the essential omega-3s called EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA. Fish get these fatty acids from consuming algae, which is also a good option for people who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet and want to get enough EPA and DHA omega-3s directly from the source.

Duncan had a family history of CVD, but as a fit and healthy former athlete, underestimated the genetic risk he had inherited.

The gold medallist admits his overall health changed after he stopped swimming competitively, but the heart attack renewed his focus on his health, including his exercise and diet.

He was intrigued by the idea that Associate Professor Peoples and his team at the Graduate School of Medicine could use a simple blood test to check if he was eating enough Omega-3s, an important step in lowering his risk of heart disease.

Using a blood sample taken from a finger prick, Associate Professor Peoples and the team at UOW, measured Duncan and his son Tomas’ Omega-3 Index - the sum of the fatty acids EPA and DHA in red blood cells—to discover how much omega-3 both have stored in their heart cell membranes. The results were illuminating for Duncan and his son Tomas, who found that despite focusing on dietary total fat reduction, there was in fact an opportunity to increase their daily amount of EPA and DHA in their diet.

“Boosting Duncan and Tom’s Omega-3 Index through diet or supplements is a powerful way to support heart health," Dr Macartney said. 

"Over a lifespan, getting enough of these fatty acids in your diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease, alongside staying physically active, managing weight and keeping cholesterol levels in check."

Duncan, the Stakeholder Manager for , has become a firm advocate for preventative medicine.

He has also become a passionate campaigner for encouraging men to take control of their physical health through daily exercise. 

Taking part in the research with Associate Professor Peoples and his team at UOW has reinforced Duncan’s focus on the long-term benefits of preventing health challenges.

"My recent heart episode really highlighted the importance of monitoring my heart health,” Duncan said.

“Greg and Mike's research, and the application of the Omega-3 Index have given me a straightforward way to understand what's happening with my heart and blood vessels. My goal is to maintain a healthy heart so I can live a long life, and the Omega-3 Index is now a key tool in helping me achieve that."

^{Tomas Armstrong, Associate Professor Greg Peoples, Duncan Armstrong, Dr Michael Macartney, and PhD candidate Ryan Anthony}

The sports physiology team at UOW have a deep knowledge of the sporting world and are passionate about helping athletes to gain a better understanding of how omega-3s can boost their performance, enhance their recovery and help them to achieve their potential.

They have collaborated with Baylor ¾«¶«´«Ã½ in Texas on research that highlight the potential of omega-3 fatty acids in the fight .

Associate Professor Peoples and Dr Macartney are also currently undertaking a broad study of omega-3 performance nutrition across elite athletes from more than 30 different sports, including the St George Illawarra Dragons NRLW team.

But the benefits of omega-3 are not exclusive to athletes, either current or former.

Associate Professor Peoples said increasing intakes of omega-3 fatty acids were beneficial to all, alongside regular physical exercise and a Mediterranean style diet. 

“Despite knowing for the last half century how important omega-3 fatty acids are for cardiovascular health, the Omega-3 Index has now become a simple and quantitative measurement in the CVD preventive strategy.”