Statins are a class of medications designed to treat high cholesterol. Omega-3 fatty acids are naturally occurring compounds in fish and other foods that also lower high cholesterol, in addition to potentially preventing the development of heart disease. Both statins and omega-3 fatty acids come with their own sets of benefits and risks.
Statins
Statin medications achieve their effects by blocking your body's ability to form cholesterol, according to the Mayo Clinic. They may also promote cholesterol reabsorption in your body and slow or stop the buildup of dangerous cholesterol-based plaque in your arteries. Common examples of statins include lovastatin, or Mevacor; simvastatin, or Zocor; rosuvastatin, or Crestor; and pravastatin, or Pravachol. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe generic alternatives to commercial statin brands. You may receive a statin medication if you have high overall levels of cholesterol or high levels of "bad," or LDL, cholesterol, also called low-density lipoprotein.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids come in three basic forms: eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA; docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA; and alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA, according to the National Library of Medicine's Medline Plus. Common sources of EPA and DHA include cold-water fish such as mackerel, tuna, sardines and herring, as well as oil supplements derived from these species. You can get ALA from sources that include English walnuts and olive, flaxseed, canola and soybean oils. In addition to lowering your levels of harmful LDL, a diet rich in omega-3s may raise your levels of "good," or HDL, cholesterol and lower your blood levels of a potentially harmful fatty substance called triglyceride.
Statin Considerations
Typically, your cholesterol level is only one factor your doctor considers when prescribing a statin, the Mayo Clinic explains. Additional factors include your level of physical activity, general health, age, weight and family history of heart disease and high cholesterol. Your doctor will also consider whether or not you smoke, as well as the presence of conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and a narrowing of certain arteries in your body called peripheral artery disease. If a statin is right for you, your doctor will pick a particular medication and dosage to fit your personal circumstances.
Omega-3 Considerations
If you obtain your omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, the dosage you require will depend on the amount of EPA and DHA a given product contains, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Percentages of these substances can vary substantially between fish oil brands. Similarly, various types of oils and nuts contain significantly different amounts of ALA. Many of the fish species that contain omega-3s are also high in environmental pollutants such as heavy metals. Make sure to buy a fish oil product certified not to contain these substances.
Side Effects
In some cases, uses of statins can trigger serious side effects that include kidney or liver damage, the Mayo Clinic notes. Less-serious potential effects include diarrhea, constipation, nausea and muscle or joint pain. Use of fish oil can trigger gastrointestinal distress and diarrhea, Medline Plus reports. Use of high doses of omega-3s can also increase your risks for bleeding.
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