Heart attack happens when a blockage in your coronary artery causes part of a person’s heart muscle to be starved of blood and oxygen. It requires immediate medical attention to limit the amount of permanent damage to a person’s heart muscle. Fortunately, precautionary measures can be taken to reduce the likelihood of a heart attack happening in the first place. New results presented at a meeting of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) in Chicago, make a strong case for taking fish oil pills.

Scientists today have revealed that taking fish oil pills halves the risk of dying from a heart attacks.

Significantly, it slashes the risk of suffering one by almost a third, said Dr JoAnn Manson.

The findings are based on a study of 25,871 over 50s in the US who were tracked for an average of more than five years.

Those taking the supplements were 50 per cent less likely to die from a heart attack over the follow up period.

They were also 28 per cent less likely to have one.

The Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial (VITAL) found the fish oil pills were particularly effective for people who do not regularly eat fish.

It also found those who took vitamin D supplements slashed their risk of dying from cancer by up to a quarter.

VITAL was designed to fill these knowledge gaps

Dr Manson, lead author

Lead author Dr Manson, of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, said: “Whether vitamin D or omega-3 supplementation is beneficial for the prevention of cancer or cardiovascular disease (CVD) in general populations is a subject of ongoing debate.

“VITAL was designed to fill these knowledge gaps.”

Fish oil pills were “associated with significant reductions” in total and fatal heart attacks of 50 and 28 per cent respectively, she said.

Dr Manson added: “Vitamin D was associated with a suggestive 17 per cent reduction in

cancer mortality, which strengthened to a statistically significant 25 per cent reduction in analyses excluding early follow-up.”

However, this only applied to participants of normal weight with a BMI (body mass index) below 25 – and not in those who were overweight or obese.

Dr Manson said: “The pattern of findings suggests a complex balance of benefits and risks for each intervention.

“Additional research is needed to determine which individuals may be most likely to derive a net benefit from these supplements.

The participants were randomly assigned to take one gram of fish oil or 2,000 IUs (International Units) of vitamin D daily, or a placebo.

According to the NHS, the three main ways to prevent a heart attack are:

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Avoiding smoking
• Trying to keep blood pressure at a healthy level

To lower blood pressure, the NHS recommends staying active: “Regular exercise can also help you lose weight, which will help lower your blood pressure.”

Find out the key symptoms of a heart attack here.

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