Millions of people take fish oil supplements in the U.S. But a new report from the American Heart Association shows not everyone may benefit.  

 

Forty-four year old Anurag Mehta has checked in with his cardiologist every few months, since suffering a heart attack at a young age.

 

“I had high cholesterol. And i was 33 so I  kind of more of less ignored it. I’d gotten quite sedentary in terms of lifestyle,” Anurag says.

 

Doctor Ravi Dave put him on daily omega-3 fish oil supplements. Now, the American Heart Association says the supplements may have  life-saving benefits for heart attack patients like Mehta and as well as heart failure patients. 

 

Dr Ravi Dave is the director UCLA’S Santa Monica Cardiology and Imaging Department. Of the study, he says, “They found evidence in patients with congestive heart failure, a weakened heart muscle, it helps reduce their risk of death and reduce their risk of repeat hospitalization.”

 

But when it comes to the average person, the Heart Association says it cannot recommend fish oil  to prevent heart disease because there is not enough research to support the idea. 

 

 

Doctor Dave recommends fish oil for all his heart patients, especially those who don’t eat fish.

 

He says, “fish oil is an easy way to supplement your diet that may be lacking in those necessary ingredients.” 

 

Mehta credits fish oil and  lifestyle changes for keeping him healthy since his heart attack.  

 

 Experts recommend heart patients talk to their doctor before starting any supplment.