High cholesterol can be treated in a number of ways, including the use of prescription medications and through dietary changes. Omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in fatty fish, flaxseed oil and other foods, can be used to reduce your risk of heart disease. Both options have advantages and disadvantages and can be used separately or in combination.
Identification
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat which can be found in fatty fish, such as tuna, halibut and salmon, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains. They can also be found in fish oil and flax seed oil supplements. Cholesterol-lowering medications, on the other hand, take a variety of forms. Some commonly used classes of drugs include statins, bile-acid resins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors and fibrates. Each of these medications work via a different mechanism.
Effectiveness
Omega-3 fatty acids are able to reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease in several ways. They are able to lower your triglyceride levels and are associated with higher HDL or "good" cholesterol, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains. They also lower blood pressure and can help prevent blood clots. The different cholesterol-lowering medications have different effects on your lipid levels; most of them lower your triglycerides and LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels, and some can increase your HDL cholesterol as well, the Mayo Clinic notes.
Side Effects
Serious side effects have not been reported due to using fish oil or omega-3 fatty acid supplements, the Linus Pauling Institute notes. Some people who take fish oil notice a fishy aftertaste, and belching and heartburn can also occur. Excessive intake of these fatty acids can, in theory, increase your risk of bleeding or bruising easily. Prescription drugs for high cholesterol can cause a variety of side effects, including nausea, stomach pain, muscle damage, liver problems and other health conditions, so they may not be appropriate for everyone.
Preparations
Prescription medications are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and must adhere to strict manufacturing and quality-control guidelines, so there is little risk of contamination. Omega-3 supplements, on the other hand, are not as carefully regulated, so you should purchase these supplements from reputable sources. Another safety concern of fish oil is that some products contains toxins such as mercury or lead. If possible, use the prescription omega-3 fatty acid supplement Lovaza, which is the only FDA approved supplement with fish oil.
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