Previous studies have suggested that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can save lives of people with heart disease. The AHA further cited recent research touting fish-rich diets even for people with healthy hearts. The Physicians' Health Study suggested that fish can reduce a man's risk of dying by heart attack by 80%. The Nurses' Health Study found omega-3 fatty acids decreased a woman's chance of a heart-attack-related death by 33%.
According to Penny Kris-Etherton of Pennsylvania State University and lead author of the heart association's statement, “We have evidence that, if heart patients consume about 1g a day, they have much better survival rates and fewer heart attacks. Some people cannot eat fish, will not eat fish or live in places where they cannot get fish. Those people should consider a supplement in consultation with a physician.