Sept. 11, 2019&mdash;People with high triglyceride levels may want to talk with their doctor about adding a prescription omega-3 fatty acid medication to their cholesterol-lowering therapy. 
That's according to a new advisory published in the American Heart Association journal <a target="_blank" href=" https://www.ahajournals.org/journal/circ">Circulation</a>. 
Triglycerides are a type of fat that circulates in the blood. A review of 17 clinical trials found that treatment plans consisting of 4 grams of prescription omega-3 fatty acid medication taken daily reduces triglyceride levels by 20% to 30%. And they can be used safely alongside statin medicines to control cholesterol.
There are two prescription omega-3 fatty acid medications available. One combines two types of fatty acids&mdash;EPA and DHA&mdash;and the other provides EPA alone. They haven't been tested head-to-head, so the advisory doesn't recommend one over the other.
It does however, state that you shouldn't try treating high triglycerides with over-the-counter dietary supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids. These supplements are not regulated by the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.netreturns.biz/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=fda">U.S. Food and Drug Administration</a> (FDA). 
Who should be prescribed omega-3s? 
Some studies have found that high triglycerides&mdash;above 200 mg/dL&mdash;can cause narrowing of the arteries. That increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.


Very high triglycerides&mdash;above 500 mg/dL&mdash;can also cause pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas. 
Currently the FDA has OK'd prescription omega-3 fatty acid medications only for treating very high triglyceride levels above 500 mg/dL. 
Other ways to lower levels
Healthy lifestyle choices also can reduce triglyceride levels. These include: 
<ul>
 <li>Getting regular exercise. </li>
 <li>Losing weight. </li>
 <li>Avoiding sugar and refined carbohydrates. </li>
 <li>Avoiding alcohol. </li>
 <li>Choosing healthy plant-based fats instead of saturated fats. </li>
</ul>
Triglycerides are typically measured in cholesterol tests. Learn more about <a href="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/Story.aspx?StoryId=5ca6812a-0d22-4c34-a078-19515540bcd7"> the different types of cholesterol</a> and how they affect your health.

Here's a new strategy for lowering triglyceride levels

Are your triglyceride levels high? This may help. 