IN 2002, the American Heart Association (AHA) published a scientific statement, "Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Cardiovascular Disease".

At that time, based on evidence from two large randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that demonstrated that consumption of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)+docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplements significantly reduced fatal cardiac events, the AHA recommended that patients with documented heart artery disease consume about one gram/day of EPA and DHA, preferably from oily fish, but EPA and DHA supplements could be considered in consultation with a physician.

The statement recommended that additional studies be done to confirm the findings and to further understand the potential benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplements in those with and without underlying heart disease.