Statins vs. Fish Oil: Which is Best for Cholesterol & Heart Health?

Statins and fish oil are popular approaches to improving cholesterol and triglyceride levels in our bodies. While they have different benefits, they can work synergistically to improve overall heart health.

Statins

• Statins like Lipitor and Crestor stop the liver from making more cholesterol. This helps the medications lower LDL cholesterol levels, modestly lower triglyceride levels and raise HDL cholesterol levels.

Side Effects of Statins

• Like most medications, statins manifest certain side effects, like muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea. Typically, the symptoms alleviate once your body becomes used to the medication.

Fish Oil

• Like statins, the omega-3 fatty acid present in fish oil may also benefit heart health by lowering blood triglyceride levels. The type of fatty acid present in fish oil includes eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Side Effects of Fish Oil

• High doses of fish oil may cause bleeding problems. Other side effects include nausea, belching and an upset stomach.

Combination

• Fish oil may help statins work better, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Talk with your physician about the potential benefits and complication before taking fish oil or any other type of supplement.